Consolidated Plan HATTIESBURG 1 · Overview . The primary objectives of the Plan for 2013-2017 are consistent with the primary objectives in the prior ... Over the Plan period, the

Consolidated Plan HATTIESBURG 1


Executive Summary

ES-05 Executive Summary

1. Introduction

The City of Hattiesburg's 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan was developed through a coordinated

community process to identify housing, homelessness, supportive service, and non-housing community

needs in the City. The Plan provides a basis and strategy for the use of federal funds granted to the City

by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) under the Community Development

Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership (HOME). The accompanying one-year Action Plan

serves as the City's application for its annual entitlement allocation from HUD under these programs for

2013.

2. Summary of the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan Needs Assessment

Overview

The primary objectives of the Plan for 2013-2017 are consistent with the primary objectives in the prior

Consolidated Plan, which involve addressing a variety of housing concerns. Housing Rehabilitation,

Emergency Repair, Acquisition/Rehabilitation, Down Payment Assistance, Affordable Housing and

Demolition are some of the types of housing-related activities that are consistent with the prior plan.

Over the Plan period, the City plans to address 30 Homeowner Rehabilitation projects, Rehabilitate 2

rental units for affordable housing, and create 4 new affordable housing units either for sale or rent.

Plans also include the demolition of 50 vacant, dilapidated houses, and the assistance of 10 households

through the Down Payment Assistance Program. The achievement of these objectives will rely in part

on the City's Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) and other partners in the field of

housing.

Behind housing objectives, the next objective of greatest need is in the area of Homelessness and

Special Needs Populations. Objectives within the Consolidated Plan that address these populations vary

among several eligible types of activities. Public Service activities, Public Facility Improvement activities,

and population-targeted housing activities can all benefit homeless individuals and families as well as

households with special needs. Although the number and exact type of household that will benefits

from these activities depends greatly on the RFP process that the City will administer (specifically in the

area of Public Services and potentially Public Facilities), the City reasonably plans to serve in excess of

2,000 people.

The City's Plan also includes Infrastructure activities such as drainage, street improvements, sidewalks,

and trails that would benefit low-income areas including more than 1,000 households. Commercial

Rehabilitation such as the Facade Improvement Program and Economic Development activities such as

the Microenterprise Program will continue to support businesses. Objectives include the facade


improvement of 5 commercial structures and Microenterprise Assistance awards to assist businesses in

hopes of creating 10 jobs available to low/mod individuals.

3. Evaluation of past performance

Through the public participation process, consultation with various organizations, and the experience of

the City's Community Development Division staff, it is apparent that housing concerns remain the

greatest community development challenge in the City of Hattiesburg. Staff receives and responds to

calls daily from residents with repair issues, requests for information on purchasing a home, and

soliciting resources for specific housing needs. The City has continued to operate its Housing

Rehabilitation program from a list in excess of 300 households, which dates back to 2007. Simply stated,

there is abundantly more need in terms of housing than there are available resources. While traction

has been made in recent years with the partnership and sharing of resources between some housing

organizations, there is much more work to be done to address blighting conditions; emergency, health,

and safety concerns; and basic deterioration of homes where owners cannot afford to make corrections.

In the arena of the homeless and special needs populations, the City has played an active but limited

role in recent years. The City has awarded Public Service grants to non-profits serving these groups and

has had representation in organizations such as the Pinebelt Coalition on Homelessness and Mississippi

United to End Homelessness, and has facilitated groups such as the Housing Roundtable, which includes

representation from groups such as the Institute for Disability Studies. Other than participation in

organizational meetings, working as a referral agent, and promoting efforts of partner agencies, the City

has only limitedly funded activities by organizations that serve these populations. Throughout the

development process for the Consolidated Plan, it became abundantly clear that there is significant

need in the City of Hattiesburg for supportive services for agencies working with homeless individuals

and families, persons living with HIV/AIDS, disabled individuals, the mentally ill, and other special needs

groups. It became clear that there is also a great need for emergency shelter, transitional housing, and

permanent supportive housing for these groups as well. While the City's support in these areas has

been more indirect in the past, the coming years will see the City target its financial support more

directly to such organizations through activities like Public Services and Public Facility Improvements.

4. Summary of citizen participation process and consultation process

The Citizen Participation Process included two advertisements in the Hattiesburg American notifying the

public of a schedule of upcoming public hearings and setting a public comment period on the topic of

the Consolidated Plan. The City also mailed letters to known neighborhood representatives and faith-

based organizations in order to garner additional interest in the upcoming public hearings. The City held

one public hearing in each of the City's five (5) wards.

Recognizing the need for input from organizations that serve low-income areas and individuals, the City

sent a letter to known non-profit organizations and held an Inter-Agency Meeting to solicit input. This

meeting included participation from many of the organizations that would need to provide consultation


in the development of the Plan - the Hattiesburg Housing Authority and MS Regional Housing Authority

No. 8, for instance. Following the meeting and at the close of the public comment period, the City

began developing a draft of the Consolidated Plan, at which time, staff consulted organizations as

needed in order to ensure appropriate consultations and data were included.

5. Summary of public comments

All consultations, summaries of public hearings, and written comments received are contained

herein. Comments largely reinforced the approach to resource allocation that the City has instituted in

prior years, with Housing Rehabilitation and Repairs topping the list of priorities. Services to, and

housing for homeless populations, disabled residents, and persons living with HIV/AIDS were identified

as a higher priority than in previous plans, which led to such projects and activities being identified more

specifically throughout the plan. Other activities advocated by the public and by partner

agencies include down payment assistance, demolition, public services, microenterprise

assistance, commercial rehabilitation, public facility improvement, and infrastructure improvement.

6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them

All comments and views received were accepted and included in the preparation of this document. No

comments were rejected for any reason.

7. Summary

The City of Hattiesburg recognizes its CDBG and HOME grants as an opportunity to do great things to

improve quality of life for low- to moderate-income residents and as a result, for the City as a whole.

The City values the citizen participation process, and appreciates the input that residents and

organizations have supplied in guiding this document. Participation in this process by the residents of

low-income areas, and the organizations that regularly serve low-income households is vital to ensuring

that the funds are directed to areas and programs in which they can make the greatest impact.

The City believes that the strategies and objectives set forth in this Consolidated Plan are feasible and

attainable (assuming that funding remains available), and they are in accordance with the needs and

desires communicated by the public that these grants are intended to serve and organizations that

provide such services.


The Process

PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies

1. Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan

The following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and

those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source.

Agency Role Name Department/Agency

Lead Agency HATTIESBURG

Table 1 – Responsible Agencies

Narrative

The lead agency, which is the entity responsible for overseeing the development of the plan, is the City

of Hattiesburg through its Department of Federal & State Programs, and more specifically, its

Community Development Division. The City enjoys entitlement status under the U.S. Department of

Housing & Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment

Partnerships (HOME) Programs. As such, the City receives an annual, formula driven allocation of

funding from each program. In addition to overseeing the planning process for the use of these federal

funding sources, the City also administers the programs either directly or through partnerships with

capable subrecipients.

Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information

Questions or comments can be directed to:

Andrew Ellard, Department of Federal & State Programs

200 Forrest Street, First Floor (P.O. Box 1898)

Hattiesburg, MS 39403-1898

(601) 554-1006, [email protected]

Additional contact and programmatic information can be found atwww.HattiesburgMS.com.


PR-10 Consultation

1. Introduction

The City's program staff identified and reached out to citizens, local government representatives, public

housing authorities, non-profit developers, and various social service agencies to gather input for the

Consolidated Plan. The simultaneous development of an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing

Choice by the City's consultants included consultations with many of these same organizations as well as

real estate industry professionals and lenders, which provided additional input that can be considered in

the development of the Consolidated Plan - particularly as it relates to housing concerns.

Summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted

housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies

The City continues to facilitate a group known as the Housing Roundtable to discuss a variety of housing

and homelessness issues. Participants include the City's Urban Development and Federal Programs

Departments, Mississippi Regional Housing Authority No. 8, the Hattiesburg Housing Authority,

Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity, R3SM (a non-profit housing organization), as well as the City's

Community Development Housing Organizations (CHDOs). Participants also include the Salvation Army

and Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services, which both serve homeless persons; the AIDS

Services Coalition, which serves the homeless as well as those living with AIDS; the University of

Southern Mississippi's Institute for Disability Studies, which addresses housing issues statewide; and the

Hattiesburg Board of Realtors.

Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of

homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with

children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness

The City works closely with the Continuum of Care operating in Hattiesburg and the surrounding areas.

The Pinebelt Homeless Coalition is the lead agency for the implementation of HUD Continuum of Care

programs. Generally, individuals requiring assistance are referred to this organization. Further, the City

has provided funding to the AIDS Services Coalition and Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction

Services.

Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in

determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards and evaluate

outcomes, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the administration of HMIS

The City of Hattiesburg is a part of the 71-county "balance of state" Continuum of Care. The City works

with the Continuum of Care (Mississippi United to End Homelessness), and a representative from the

City regularly participates in their meetings. MUTEH and its members establish guidelines, policies, etc.

for the Continuum of Care. The City does not enjoy entitlement status under ESG, and as the City does


not directly undertake any activities supporting homeless persons, the City does not access or input

information into HMIS.

2. Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and

consultations

Agency/Group/Organization Agency/Group/Organization Type

What section of the Plan was addressed

by Consultation?

AIDS Services Coalition Housing

Services-Persons with HIV/AIDS

Services-homeless

Services-Education

Housing Need

Assessment

Homelessness

Strategy

Homeless Needs -

Chronically homeless

Homeless Needs -

Families with children

Non-Homeless Special

Needs

HOPWA Strategy

Mississippi State Department of Health Housing

Services-Children

Services-Health

Health Agency

Child Welfare Agency

Other government - State

Housing Need

Assessment

Lead-based Paint

Strategy

Salvation Army Services-homeless Housing Need

Assessment

Public Housing Needs

Homelessness

Strategy

Homeless Needs -


Homeless Needs -


Anti-poverty Strategy

Southern MS Planning & Development

District

Services-Education

Services-Employment

Planning organization

Economic

Development

U. of Southern Miss. Institute for

Disabilities Studies

Housing

Services-Persons with Disabilities

Services-Education

Housing Need

Assessment





by Consultation?

Service-Fair Housing



Needs

Hattiesburg Housing Authority Housing

PHA

Other government - Local

Housing Need

Assessment



Needs

Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity Housing

Services-Education


Housing Need

Assessment

Hattiesburg Council of Neighborhoods Civic Leaders

Area Neighborhood Associations

Neighborhood Organization

Housing Need

Assessment

Infrastructure

Oseola McCarty Youth Development Center Services-Children

Services-Elderly Persons

Services-Education

Services-Employment

Housing Need

Assessment

Lead-based Paint

Strategy

Economic

Development

Domestic Abuse Family Shelter, Inc. Housing

Services-Victims of Domestic

Violence

Services-homeless

Services-Education

Services-Employment

Housing Need

Assessment


Homeless Needs -



Needs

DuBard School for Language Disorders Services-Children



Services-Education



Needs

Off Campus Study Hall Services-Children

Services-Education

Public Services

Family Network Partnership Services-Children


Services-homeless

Services-Education

Services-Employment

Housing Need

Assessment


Homelessness

Strategy




by Consultation?


USM - School of Social Work

Economic

Development

South Mississippi Children's Center Housing

Services-Children

Services-Victims of Domestic

Violence

Services-homeless

Child Welfare Agency

Housing Need

Assessment

Homelessness

Strategy

Economic

Development

MS Regional Housing Authority No. 8 PHA Housing Need

Assessment

BREAKTHROUGH COMMUNITY SERVICES Housing




Housing Need

Assessment

Forrest General Hospital (Pine Grove

Behavioral Health & Addiction Services)

Housing


Services-Persons with HIV/AIDS

Services-homeless

Services-Health

Health Agency

Publicly Funded

Institution/System of Care

Housing Need

Assessment

Homelessness

Strategy

Homeless Needs -


Homelessness Needs -

Veterans

Anti-poverty Strategy

Table 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated

Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting

The process of developing the Consolidated Plan was intended to be as open and involving as possible

among the public and servicing agencies. Were any organizations left out of the process, it was certainly

not intentional. The City believes that a satisfactory effort was made in notifying the public and

agencies from a wide range of types/missions and that ample input was provided by such organizations

to create a complete Plan.

Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan

Name of Plan Lead Organization How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each plan?

Continuum of Care Mississippi United

to End

MUTEH is in the process of establishing a 10-year plan to

end homelessness, and the City is in contact with the


Name of Plan Lead Organization How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each plan?

Homelessness organization's chairperson, the more regional Pinebelt

Coalition on Homelessness, and local organizations serving

homeless persons and families.

Analysis of

Impediments to

Fair Housing Choice

City of Hattiesburg The City will make an effort to address to the extent feasible,

identified impediments - either directly or indirectly - as it

develops the annual action plans to accompany the

Consolidated Plan.

Table 3 – Other local / regional / federal planning efforts

Describe the means of cooperation and coordination among the state and any units of

general local government in the metropolitan area in the implementation of its Consolidated

Plan (91.220(l))

The City reached out to officials in the City of Petal, Forrest County, and Lamar County during the

comment period for the Consolidated Plan, and one response was received from each of those

governing bodies. Lamar County identified as shared priorities the need for infrastructure, the

completion of West 4th Street Project, and the continued progress of the Western Beltway Project. The

City of Petal identified wastewater treatment facilities as a shared concern as wastewater from Petal is

sent to Hattiesburg for treatment. Forrest County identified lagoon upgrades needed at the City/County

shared industrial park, remarked that the county's ongoing road and bridge work mutually benefit the

City and County, and identified funding of inmates at the Forrest County regional Jail as a common

problem that needs to be addressed.

Narrative

Forty-nine (49) organizations were invited to attend an Inter-Agency Meeting to discuss the

Consolidated Plan. This meeting was not intended to be exclusive of any organization, and there was

representation at the meeting from organizations that were previously unknown to the City’s

Community Development staff, which was encouraging in knowing that the meeting was well

publicized. Individuals representing twenty-one (21) organizations attended the meeting, and several

organizations that could not send a representative still sent in comments for the Plan and/or attended

later Public Hearings. Twenty-nine (29) organizations – all of which had previously been invited to the

Inter-Agency Meeting – were mailed targeted questionnaires for further consultation in their areas of

expertise and service. At the close of the public comment period, Community Development staff

continued to make direct contact with organizations if/when certain areas of the Plan were left without

necessary consultation. These methods of contact were typically by email and/or telephone.


PR-15 Citizen Participation

1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-setting

Citizen Participation Outreach

Mode of Outreach

Target of Outreach

Summary of response/attendance Summary of comments received Summary of

comments not

accepted and

reasons

URL (If applicable)

Other Agencies that

work with

Low/Mod

Population

June 12, 2012 - Letter notified

agencies of the upcoming Interagency

Meeting on the topic of the 2013-

2017 Consolidated Plan. See the

response/attendance information

related to the Interagency Meeting.

Phone calls generated by the letter were

mostly clarifying what the meeting was

about. Some calls were from

organizations unable to attend this

meeting asking for other opportunities to

comment, and they were encouraged to

attend one of the upcoming Public

Hearings or submit comments in writing

before the deadline for public comment.

Other Agencies that

work with

Low/Mod

Population

June 20, 2012 Interagency Meeting -

Three staff and 26 organization

representatives attended the meeting

(more representatives may have

attended that did not sign in).

The meeting included an overview of the

City's CDBG/HOME Programs, the

Consolidated Plan process, and the

importance of gathering input from

stakeholders and the community in

general. Comments included advocacy


Mode of Outreach

Target of Outreach


comments not

accepted and

reasons

URL (If applicable)

for: Transitional Housing, Rental

Subsidies, Security Deposit Assistance,

Utility Assistance, Downpayment

Assistance, Housing Rehabilitation,

Reconstruction, New Construction of

Affordable Housing, Geographically

Targeted Programming, Public Service

Grants, Infrastructure, Demolition, and

Facility Improvements.

Other Minorities

Non-

targeted/broad

community

Churches and

Neighborhood

Groups

June 15, 2012 - Letters notifying

individuals and faith based

organizations of the upcoming Public

Hearing schedule were mailed. See

the response/attendance information

related to the Public Hearing entries.

Letters were mailed to 108

churches/faith-based organizations

and 158 neighborhood

representatives.

Phone calls generated by the letter were

mostly clarifying the topics the hearings

would cover, how our programs operate,

etc. Limited comments about

programming were offered by phone, but

most related to housing rehabilitation

needs.

Public

Meeting

Minorities

Persons with

disabilities

June 28, 2012 - The first Public

Hearing was held in Ward 4 at the

Jackie Dole Sherrill Community

Center. Three staff members and

Comments included advocacy for

continuation of the Facade Improvement

Program, Housing Rehabilitation in the

areas of Tipton St, Briarfield Apartments,


Mode of Outreach

Target of Outreach


comments not

accepted and

reasons

URL (If applicable)

Non-

targeted/broad

community

Residents of

Public and

Assisted Housing

Low-Income

Area Residents

four citizens were in attendance. and Lincoln St, Crime Prevention

Programs for the area around Francis

Street Apartments, Transportation to and

Programs for youth, and Facility

Improvements at the Historic Eaton

School for use in Programming for the

elderly and youth.

Public

Meeting

Minorities

Persons with

disabilities

Non-

targeted/broad

community

Residents of

Public and

Assisted Housing

July 5, 2012 - The second Public


Danny Hinton Community Center.

Three staff members were in

attendance; no citizens attended.


Mode of Outreach

Target of Outreach


comments not

accepted and

reasons

URL (If applicable)

Low-Income

Area Residents

Public

Meeting

Minorities

Persons with

disabilities

Non-

targeted/broad

community

Residents of

Public and

Assisted Housing

Low-Income

Area Residents

July 9, 2012 - The third Public Hearing

was held in Ward 2 at the C.E. Roy

Community Center. Three staff

members were in attendance; no

citizens attended.

Public

Meeting

Minorities

Persons with

disabilities

July 10, 2012 - The fourth Public


Lake Terrace Convention Center.

Three staff members and three

citizens were in attendance.


Housing Rehabilitation, Lead and

asbestos abatement in homes and in

facilities of non-profits, Infrastructure

improvement in low/mod areas -


Mode of Outreach

Target of Outreach


comments not

accepted and

reasons

URL (If applicable)

Non-

targeted/broad

community

Residents of

Public and

Assisted Housing

Low-Income

Area Residents

particularly Palmer's Crossing, Demolition

of homes contributing to blight, Single

Room Occupancy housing for the

mentally ill, and use of Public Facilities as

emergency/transitional housing for the

homeless. Some of the comments

received were from a citizen representing

a local non-profit, and those comments

are also reflected in the agency

consultation section of the Consolidated

Plan.

Public

Meeting

Minorities

Persons with

disabilities

Non-

targeted/broad

community

Residents of

Public and

Assisted Housing

July 12, 2012 - The fifth Public


Thames Elementary school

auditorium. Two staff members and

two citizens were in attendance.


Demolition activities, a De-

Construction/salvage approach to

demolition, Housing Rehabilitation,

Targeted efforts in Flood Zone areas such

as Mobile-Bouie neighborhoods

(Northeast Hattiesburg), Education for

residents of the flood zones as to the

limitations and opportunities for flood

zone development and improvement,

and Youth Development Programs.

Citizens also voiced concern that the


Mode of Outreach

Target of Outreach


comments not

accepted and

reasons

URL (If applicable)

Low-Income

Area Residents

blight in the flood zone areas is likely to

continue because of the limited

resources of the people living there now,

and that future development may only

come from those that can afford higher-

end development, and that there is a

concern that current residents may be

left out or pushed out in favor of such

development.

Newspaper

Ad

Minorities

Persons with

disabilities

Non-

targeted/broad

community

Residents of

Public and

Assisted Housing

Low-Income

June 8, 2012 - Public Notice

advertised upcoming Public Hearings

on the topic of the 2013-2017

Consolidated Plan. See the



Phone calls generated by the

advertisement were mostly clarifying the

topics the hearings would cover, how our

programs operate, etc. Limited

comments about programming were

offered by phone, but most related to

housing rehabilitation needs.


Mode of Outreach

Target of Outreach


comments not

accepted and

reasons

URL (If applicable)

Area Residents

Newspaper

Ad

Minorities

Persons with

disabilities

Non-

targeted/broad

community

Residents of

Public and

Assisted Housing

Low-Income

Area Residents

June 15, 2012 - Public Notice

advertised upcoming Public Hearings

on the topic of the 2013-2017

Consolidated Plan. See the



Phone calls generated by the

advertisement were mostly clarifying the

topics the hearings would cover, how our

programs operate, etc. Limited

comments about programming were

offered by phone, but most related to

housing rehabilitation needs.

Newspaper

Ad

Minorities

Persons with

disabilities

Non-

targeted/broad

September 21, 2012 - Notice of

Availability of the DRAFT 2013-2017

Consolidated Plan and 2013 Action

Plan was published in the Hattiesburg

American.

Comments included additionaly advocacy

for affordable housing options for

homeless persons - particularly the

disabled and those living with HIV/AIDS.

Program staff experienced a heightened

interest in the Down Payment Assistance

Program through telephone inquiries and


Mode of Outreach

Target of Outreach


comments not

accepted and

reasons

URL (If applicable)

community

Residents of

Public and

Assisted Housing

Low-Income

Area Residents

submission of applications.

Table 4 – Citizen Participation Outreach


Needs Assessment

NA-05 Overview

Needs Assessment Overview

The following Needs Assessment provides some perspective on the condition of housing in the City of

Hattiesburg through a review of particular categories of comparison and through different types of

housing needs. The assessment serves to compare different types of housing concerns/issues/needs by

income category, by household type, by geography, and by race/ethnic group.

According to mapping data, and to the Community Development Division staff’s past experience, there

is a decidedly greater need for community development efforts in the City’s Easternmost Wards and U.S.

Census Tracts. Generally speaking – and there are certainly exceptions – there are greater

concentrations of minority households and greater concentrations of lower-income households in the

Eastern part of the City. This area of the City is also marked with a large area of flood zone, particularly

near the Leaf River, which can be an obstacle in the area of housing and marketability.

The Needs Assessment also identifies disproportionate needs in terms of housing cost burden,

deteriorating housing conditions, and severe housing problems. In general, there are some areas of

need that are disproportionately greater among African-Americans than any other race/ethnicity, but in

most cases much of the disproportion is comparable to the distribution among different

races/ethnicities within the income category.


NA-10 Housing Needs Assessment

Summary of Housing Needs

Housing needs in the City of Hattiesburg are varied and are documented by CHAS data, U.S. Census data,

consultation with housing and social service agencies, and citizen input. Needs exist for homeowners,

renters, homeless persons, those at risk of homelessness, and people with needs for specific services

and housing characteristics. Code compliant housing, affordable housing, emergency shelter,

transitional housing, and permanent housing for the homeless are all existing housing needs – many of

which the City has made efforts to address in the past. Data shows that overcrowding conditions,

excessive housing cost burdens, and housing that lacks basic, complete kitchen and/or bathroom

facilities are characteristics that some citizens face. Understandably, the largest subsection of the

population facing these specific housing issues are those with extremely low household income or no

income at all.

Demographics Based Year:

2000

Most Recent Year:

2009

% Change

Population 44,800 51,068 14%

Households 19,268 19,845 3%

Median Income $24,409.00 $28,119.00 15%

Table 5 - Housing Needs Assessment Demographics Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data

Number of Households Table

0-30% HAMFI

>30-50% HAMFI

>50-80% HAMFI

>80-100% HAMFI

>100% HAMFI

Total Households 3,805 3,435 3,315 2,035 0

Small Family Households 1,145 1,490 1,070 3,790 0

Large Family Households 265 30 213 589 0

Household contains at least one

person 62-74 years of age 265 400 364 249 1,069

Household contains at least one

person age 75 or older 320 610 370 205 805

Households with one or more

children 6 years old or younger 695 650 548 1,192 0

* the highest income category for these family types is >80% HAMFI Table 6 - Total Households Table

Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS


Housing Needs Summary Tables for several types of Housing Problems

1. Housing Problems (Households with one of the listed needs)

Renter Owner

0-30% AMI

>30-50% AMI

>50-80% AMI

>80-100% AMI

Total 0-30% AMI

>30-50% AMI

>50-80% AMI

>80-100% AMI

Total

Substandard Housing -

Lacking complete

plumbing or kitchen

facilities 75 20 55 0 150 0 0 0 0 0

Severely Overcrowded -

With >1.51 people per

room (and complete

kitchen and plumbing) 25 0 19 0 44 30 10 0 0 40

Overcrowded - With

1.01-1.5 people per

room (and none of the

above problems) 145 50 100 60 355 0 10 40 10 60

Housing cost burden

greater than 50% of

income (and none of

the above problems) 1,815 910 165 90 2,980 445 280 85 55 865

Housing cost burden

greater than 30% of

income (and none of

the above problems) 150 1,265 870 134 2,419 265 175 370 215 1,025

Zero/negative Income

(and none of the above

problems) 335 0 0 0 335 29 0 0 0 29


Table 7 – Housing Problems Table Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS

2. Housing Problems (Households with one or more Housing problems: Lacks kitchen or bathroom, Overcrowding, cost burden)

Renter Owner

0-30% AMI

>30-50% AMI

>50-80% AMI

>80-100% AMI

Total 0-30% AMI

>30-50% AMI

>50-80% AMI

>80-100% AMI

Total

Having 1 or more of four housing problems 2,060 980 340 150 3,530 475 300 120 65 960

Having none of four housing problems 545 1,620 1,750 1,070 4,985 360 545 1,110 740 2,755

Household has negative income, but none of

the other housing problems 335 0 0 0 335 29 0 0 0 29

Table 8 – Housing Problems 2 Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS

3. Cost Burden > 30%

Renter Owner

0-30% AMI >30-50% AMI

>50-80% AMI

Total 0-30% AMI >30-50% AMI

>50-80% AMI

Total

Small Related 525 1,075 290 1,890 290 215 225 730

Large Related 140 10 29 179 40 20 4 64

Elderly 120 250 70 440 245 210 179 634

Other 1,300 865 665 2,830 170 29 50 249

Total need by income 2,085 2,200 1,054 5,339 745 474 458 1,677

Table 9 – Cost Burden > 30% Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS


4. Cost Burden > 50%

Renter Owner

0-30% AMI >30-50% AMI

>50-80% AMI

Total 0-30% AMI >30-50% AMI

>50-80% AMI

Total

Small Related 445 375 20 840 185 130 10 325

Large Related 125 10 0 135 40 20 0 60

Elderly 85 155 10 250 105 105 65 275

Other 1,255 365 145 1,765 150 29 10 189

Total need by income 1,910 905 175 2,990 480 284 85 849

Table 10 – Cost Burden > 50% Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS

5. Crowding (More than one person per room)

Renter Owner

0-30% AMI

>30-50% AMI

>50-80% AMI

>80-100% AMI

Total 0-30% AMI

>30-50% AMI

>50-80% AMI

>80-100% AMI

Total

Single family households 170 10 54 0 234 0 20 10 0 30

Multiple, unrelated family

households 0 40 25 0 65 30 0 30 0 60

Other, non-family households 0 0 40 0 40 0 0 0 0 0

Total need by income 170 50 119 0 339 30 20 40 0 90

Table 11 – Crowding Information Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS


What are the most common housing problems?

The most common housing problems include code compliant housing. Whether owner occupied or

rental, decent, safe, sanitary housing is a genuine concern particularly in the low-income census tracts of

the City. Needs range from basic repair of critical housing systems to complete rehabilitation of

deteriorated structures. Many properties reach a point of deterioration at which rehabilitation is

infeasible.

The City’s aging housing stock is a common concern particularly in the low-income census tracts. Older

homes require more maintenance and regular repairs, which may be difficult or impossible for a person

to finance if their income does not allow for it. Older homes also pose a greater health risk by way of

lead paint hazards and asbestos hazards.

A substantial amount of the City’s land area – especially in the Eastern part of the City – is designated as

a flood zone. With some minor exceptions, flood zones in the City mostly cover low-income census

tracts. Development, including rehabilitation of homes in the flood zone, which requires a permit, is

limited by FEMA requirements and local building codes as to the amount of work that can be done

without elevating a home above the base flood elevation. This requirement hampers homeowners in

the flood zone from making certain substantial repairs or upgrades to their homes. Homes that are

already in significant disrepair are less likely to be rehabilitated because regulation would prohibit the

permitting of substantial work. This obstacle contributes to continued deterioration of such

neighborhoods.

Code compliance and decent, sanitary housing standards for rental housing are a concern as well as

problems in this area are shown to impact low-income citizens to a greater degree.

Are any populations/household types more affected than others by these problems?

Understandably, these housing problems impact low-income residents to a greater degree, and the

lower the income of the household, the more likely they are to face these and similar housing

problems. Potentially, people moving out of transitional housing into permanent living arrangements

will be more likely to face such housing problems as well. Households with zero income or low, fixed-

incomes are more likely to be impacted by these problems; as an example, these households may be

elderly or disabled and receiving social security or disability income, and the limited amount may limit

their housing options or ability to make repairs.

Describe the characteristics and needs of Low-income individuals and families with children

(especially extremely low-income) who are currently housed but are at imminent risk of

either residing in shelters or becoming unsheltered 91.205(c)/91.305(c)). Also discuss the

needs of formerly homeless families and individuals who are receiving rapid re-housing

assistance and are nearing the termination of that assistance


While there is no single description that identifies all low-income individuals and families, there are

several characteristics that are common among such individuals and families. Such characteristics

include training, education, and employment challenges; individuals with less education and/or no

technical skills are likely to encounter challenges in finding employment other than what would be

considered low-income. Likewise, training, education, and employment challenges make it more likely

that an individual will be employed in part time or even temporary work, which may be more

volatile. Other characteristics of low-income populations include special needs such as physical or

mental disabilities.

Common needs among low-income individuals and families are: improved access to the existing network

of public services available in the community, opportunities to access housing choice vouchers, services

to supplement rent and utilities if/when individuals/families encounter financial hardship, housing

opportunities for special needs populations, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing -

particularly for families. These needs will also be common among many individuals and families that are

formerly homeless and nearing the termination of any temporary assistance provided.

If a jurisdiction provides estimates of the at-risk population(s), it should also include a

description of the operational definition of the at-risk group and the methodology used to

generate the estimates:

n/a – The City has no such estimate.

Specify particular housing characteristics that have been linked with instability and an

increased risk of homelessness

The City has received no information that would lead to the obvious conclusion that a particular housing

characteristic is/has been linked with instability and/or an increased risk of homelessness.


NA-15 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Problems

Assess the need of any racial or ethnic group that has disproportionately greater need in comparison to

the needs of that category of need as a whole.

0%-30% of Area Median Income

Housing Problems Has one or more of four housing

problems

Has none of the four housing

problems

Household has no/negative

income, but none of the other

housing problems

Jurisdiction as a whole 2,955 485 370

White 1,110 195 260

Black / African American 1,725 285 79

Asian 70 0 0

American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0

Pacific Islander 0 0 0

Hispanic 35 0 0

Table 12 - Disproportionally Greater Need 0 - 30% AMI Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS

*The four housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30%



problems


problems



housing problems


White 940 315 0


Asian 55 0 0



Hispanic 120 0 0


*The four housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30%




problems


problems



housing problems

Jurisdiction as a whole 1,690 1,620 0

White 800 650 0

Black / African American 715 950 0

Asian 84 0 0



Hispanic 60 15 0


*The four housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per

room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30%



problems


problems



housing problems

Jurisdiction as a whole 575 1,460 0

White 280 780 0


Asian 0 40 0



Hispanic 30 20 0


*The four housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per

room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30%


NA-20 Disproportionately Greater Need: Severe Housing Problems





problems


problems



housing problems


White 1,035 275 260


Asian 70 0 0



Hispanic 30 4 0

Table 16 – Severe Housing Problems 0 - 30% AMI Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS

*The four severe housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4.Cost Burden over 50%



problems


problems



housing problems

Jurisdiction as a whole 1,275 2,165 0

White 440 815 0

Black / African American 720 1,220 0

Asian 15 40 0



Hispanic 45 75 0






problems


problems



housing problems


White 120 1,330 0

Black / African American 220 1,435 0

Asian 40 44 0



Hispanic 60 15 0





problems


problems



housing problems


White 120 940 0


Asian 0 40 0



Hispanic 30 20 0




NA-25 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Cost Burdens



Housing Cost Burden

Housing Cost Burden <=30% 30-50% >50% No / negative income (not computed)

Jurisdiction as a whole 11,485 3,945 4,040 370

White 6,550 1,720 1,720 260

Black / African American 4,485 2,015 2,040 79

Asian 235 79 90 0

American Indian, Alaska

Native 40 15 0 0

Pacific Islander 0 0 0 0

Hispanic 155 80 130 0

Table 20 – Greater Need: Housing Cost Burdens AMI Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS


NA-30 Disproportionately Greater Need: Discussion

Income categories in which a racial or ethnic group has disproportionately greater need

There are instances in Housing Problems and Severe Housing Problems that indicate a

disproportionately greater representation of black/African-American households even among specific

income groups. In particular, the lower the income categories (0-30% and 30-50% of AMI) were more

likely to document such disproportions. This concept is addressed in more detail in previous segments

of the Consolidated Plan.

Needs not previously identified

The needs of low-income communities are plenty, but strictly in terms of housing, code compliant

housing, safe living conditions, and weatherization are basic, physical needs in the housing stock – both

owner-occupied and rental. Additionally, there is a need in the community for rental assistance (such as

Section 8), as evidenced in the current shortage of such vouchers in existing programs.

Are any of those racial or ethnic groups located in specific areas or neighborhoods in your

community?

A comparison of a map showing minority concentrations in the City of Hattiesburg and a map showing

the concentration of low-income households in the City reveal glaring similarities. Particular areas (but

certainly not all areas) of Wards 2, 4, and 5 are identified as low-income areas, which also may be

considered “majority-minority” areas in that black/African-American population is significantly higher

than white population.


NA-35 Public Housing

Introduction

The Hattiesburg Housing Authority is the local housing authority in the City of Hattiesburg with 120 units at each of two housing developments,

and 28 single-family units at each of two additional developments for a total of 296 units.

Totals in Use

Program Type

Certificate Mod-Rehab

Public Housing

Total Project -based

Tenant -based

Special Purpose Voucher

Veterans Affairs

Supportive Housing

Family Unification

Program

Disabled *

# of units vouchers in use 0 0 294 0 0 0 0 0 0

*includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five_year, and Nursing Home Transition

Table 21 - Public Housing by Program Type Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center)

Characteristics of Residents

Program Type


Public Housing


Tenant -based


Veterans Affairs

Supportive Housing

Family Unification

Program

Disabled *

Average Annual Income 0 0 9,801 0 0 0 0 0 0

Average length of stay 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0

Average Household size 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0


Program Type


Public Housing


Tenant -based


Veterans Affairs

Supportive Housing

Family Unification

Program

Disabled *

# Homeless at admission 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

# of Elderly Program Participants

(>62) 0 0 43 0 0 0 0 0 0

# of Disabled Families 0 0 68 0 0 0 0 0 0

# of Families requesting

accessibility features 0 0 294 0 0 0 0 0 0

# of HIV/AIDS program

participants 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

# of DV victims 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


Table 22 – Characteristics of Public Housing Residents by Program Type Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center)

Race of Residents

Program Type

Race Certificate Mod-Rehab

Public Housing


Tenant -based


Veterans Affairs

Supportive Housing

Family Unification

Program

Disabled *

White 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 0

Black/African American 0 0 283 0 0 0 0 0 0

Asian 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

American Indian/Alaska 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


Program Type


Public Housing


Tenant -based


Veterans Affairs

Supportive Housing

Family Unification

Program

Disabled *

Native

Pacific Islander 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


Table 23 – Race of Public Housing Residents by Program Type Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center)

Ethnicity of Residents

Program Type


Public Housing


Tenant -based


Veterans Affairs

Supportive Housing

Family Unification

Program

Disabled *

Hispanic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Not Hispanic 0 0 294 0 0 0 0 0 0


Table 24 – Ethnicity of Public Housing Residents by Program Type Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center)


Section 504 Needs Assessment

Needs of public housing tenants and applicants on the waiting list for accessible units

In general, the two 120-unit developments are more than 70 years old, and need to be replaced with

new units. In terms of accessible units, of the 296 total units, 13 are suited as handicap-accessible

units. The waiting list as of July 13, 2012 includes 337 households, of which, 22 require handicap-

accessible units.

Most immediate needs of residents of Public Housing and Housing Choice voucher holders

Of the households on the waiting list for public housing in the Hattiesburg Housing Authority, eight (8)

are described as elderly households and 22 are described as disabled households. There is a need for

126 one-bedroom units (18 accessible), 87 two-bedroom units (3 accessible), and 124 three-bedroom

units (1 accessible). Eighty-eight percent (88.5%) of the households on the waiting list are black/African-

American and ten percent (10.3%) are white households. One percent (1%) is Hispanic and less than 1%

is Asian.

The most immediate need of residents of public housing and Housing Choice voucher holders is

availability. There are more families on the waiting list for housing than there are units that

exist. Additionally, and although the Hattiesburg Housing Authority is not the issuer of Section 8

vouchers, it is necessary to point out that there are currently no Section 8 vouchers available through

the issuer – the Mississippi Region No. 8 Housing Authority. The availability need for additional units

pertains more to those on the waiting list than to families that are already housed in public units; the

most immediate need of existing residents of public housing is updated units. The age of the existing

units is such that general maintenance has become more expensive over time. Certain modernization

efforts and upgrades may be deemed infeasible in favor of newer, replacement developments.

How do these needs compare to the housing needs of the population at large

The unavailability of Housing Choice vouchers is a common problem to the population at large. Also

common to the needs of public housing residents is the aging housing stock. Although the Hattiesburg

Housing Authority maintains code compliance in its properties, the basic premise that older housing

units are more expensive to maintain, more prone to costly emergency repairs, and at some point

become infeasible to rehabilitate, upgrade, and modernize, is common among any aging housing

stock. Finally, public housing and the City’s housing stock are comparable in the sense that there is a

need for affordable, code compliant housing: the Hattiesburg Housing Authority has a waiting list of

families seeking the authority’s code compliant units, and the data presented in previous sections of the

Consolidated Plan indicate that there are a significant number of households in Hattiesburg living in

conditions that are unsafe, dilapidated, and/or burdensome in terms of cost.


NA-40 Homeless Needs Assessment

Homeless Needs Assessment

Population Estimate the # of persons experiencing homelessness

on a given night

Estimate the # experiencing

homelessness each year

Estimate the # becoming homeless each year

Estimate the # exiting

homelessness each year

Estimate the # of days persons

experience homelessness

Sheltered Unsheltered

Persons in Households with Adult(s)

and Child(ren) 77 41 1,019 754 559 0

Persons in Households with Only

Children 2 0 18 13 10 0

Persons in Households with Only

Adults 65 83 1,278 946 701 0

Chronically Homeless Individuals 23 23 0 0 0 0

Chronically Homeless Families 3 25 0 0 0 0

Veterans 11 6 0 0 0 0

Unaccompanied Child 2 0 18 13 10 0

Persons with HIV 3 2 0 0 0 0

Table 25 - Homeless Needs Assessment

Data Source Comments:

Data used originated from the Point in Time survey completed by Mississippi United to End Homelessness. Aggregate data was available for the sheltered/unsheltered

data above, but not broken down by county or City. As such, the total count for Forrest County was compared to the total count for the entire survey. Forrest County's

count represented approximately 28% of the total. This percentage was used as the factor against aggregate figures to arrive at the data above.Other data related to

the number of individuals assigned to different living facilities during calendar year 2011 - emergency, transitional, permanent, etc. - was used to estimate the number

experiencing homelessness, becoming homeless, and exiting homelessness. Factors such as lengths of stay less than 365 days and number of individuals placed into

permanent housing arrangements were used to better define the estimates. Such estimates could not be deduced for chronic homelessness, veterans, and persons

with HIV.

Population includes Rural Homeless: some


Jurisdiction’s Rural Homeless Population

In the Hattiesburg area, rural homelessness is more "invisible" in that people strive to maintain independence. In addition, there are fewer

services available to the rural homeless, and for that reason they come to the City to receive services. It is estimated that 90-95% of those

represented in the Forrest and Lamar County areas receive services within the City of Hattiesburg.

For persons in rural areas who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, describe the nature and extent of unsheltered and

sheltered homelessness with the jurisdiction

One characteristic of rural homelessness is individuals or families living in substandard housing, or in conditions that are not intended for human

habitation. "Neighborhoods without walls" are known to exist in several undeveloped, wooded areas within the City. In general, homeless

individuals and families in rural areas - both inside and outside the City limits often migrate to Hattiesburg's urban center because of the

availability of services from supportive agencies.

If data is not available for the categories "number of persons becoming and exiting homelessness each year," and "number of

days that persons experience homelessness," describe these categories for each homeless population type (including chronically

homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth):

n/a - Data from the 2011 Point In Time Analysis by Mississippi United to End Homelessness, the balance-of-state CoC, in which Hattiesburg is

located, was utilized to complete the chart above.


Nature and Extent of Homelessness by Racial and Ethnic Group

The data above would indicate that homelessness does not impact a particular race or ethnic group to a

disproportionately greater extent than any other. A point of interest in the data, however, is that

although a greater number of low-income residents are Black/African-American (disproportionately in

some cases), there is a greater number of White individuals/households reported as homeless.

Nature and Extent of Unsheltered and Sheltered Homelessness, including Rural Homelessness

The comparison of numbers between rural homeless and sheltered or unsheltered homeless within

urbanized areas is difficult to make. Generally speaking, the City of Hattiesburg, being the largest and

the closest urbanized area within Forrest County, boasts the most services available that benefit

homeless persons. As a result, many otherwise "rural homeless" travel to the City.

In simply comparing sheltered to unsheltered homeless, there is approximately a 50/50 distribution,

with an insignificantly higher percentage (less than 2%) of unsheltered persons.

Discussion

n/a - Data from the 2011 Point In Time Analysis by Mississippi United to End Homelessness, the balance-

of-state CoC, in which Hattiesburg is located, was utilized to complete the chart above.


NA-45 Non-Homeless Special Needs Assessment

Characteristics of Special Needs Populations

Special needs populations in the City of Hattiesburg are not limited to a specific demographic segment

or family type. People living with HIV/AIDS, people living with disabilities (physical and/or cognitive),

and the elderly living with disabilities are particular groups of special needs populations in the City, and

all have varying needs depending on the specific situations of the individuals/households.

Housing and Supportive Service Needs and Determination

Needs are determined largely by the organizations that service these populations directly, as they are

most capable of assessing needs as they work hand-in-hand with such clients. Needs of these

populations include specific housing arrangements suitable for their specific special needs, which may

involve transitional housing and/or permanent housing. Supportive services for special needs

populations can vary widely but include services such as counseling, case management, health services,

mental/behavioral health services, etc.

Public Size and Characteristics of Population with HIV / AIDS

The known population of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Forrest County is 431. 69% are male, 31%

female. 72.5% are Black/African-American, 22.9% are White, and the balance is other. 2.2% are

Hispanic. The total population has risen 26.4% in the last five years. According to survey data recently

updated by the Mississippi Department of Health, Mississippi was declared the #6 state in the nation for

the most new infections reported. Among Mississippi counties, Forrest County ranked #5.

Discussion

The City of Hattiesburg recognizes that there are special needs populations in the City and the

surrounding area whose needs, while partly specific to whatever special need they may have, are still

largely similar to the needs of the community in general, which is a basic improvement and maintenance

of quality of life. The City recognizes that whether it is housing or supportive services for special needs

residents, there are opportunities in planning Community Development activities that can specifically

and directly benefit special needs populations.


NA-50 Non-Housing Community Development Needs

Public Facilities

The City’s Community Development Division partners with several non-profit organizations in executing

its Action Plans, and some such agencies have facilities that can be classified as Public Facilities. Like any

facilities, all are in constant need of maintenance and upkeep; some are in need of specific

improvements like generators, additions, or rehabilitation; some are in need of ADA compliant access;

and some are in need of environmental remediation (lead, asbestos, mold, etc.) to bring the buildings

into a condition in which they are 100% functional for use. Additionally, the City’s Parks & Recreation

Department maintains a list of facility needs for which there are limited or no current resources; many

of these facility improvements, upgrades, and additions are located in the City’s low-income areas. To

address all of the Parks & Recreation items would exceed $3,000,000.

Need Determination

Needs were identified in consultation with the City’s Parks & Recreation Department, which oversees

such areas as Community Centers, and consultation with various non-profits through the Consolidated

Plan’s development process.

Public Improvements

There is a need for improvements to streets and drainage in particular – especially in low-income

areas. Particular potential projects include drainage improvements in the Timberton Park

Neighborhood, a “complete streets” implementation with expected upgrades along Country Club Road,

and a Rails-to Trails project through the Dabbs Street neighborhood, extending from William Carey

University to Edwards Street, and along an abandoned rail bed to downtown. Similar drainage and street

improvements, as well as construction of alternate transportation/recreation opportunities are possible

in other low-income areas of the City as well. There is also a mutual interest with adjoining jurisdictions

to maintain and expand the wastewater system, improve and expand industrial park capabilities, and

complete outstanding regional road projects. The Palmer’s Crossing area, having been mentioned as a

potential site for a distribution and logistics hub following the expansion of the Port of Gulfport, is an

area of particular interest for infrastructure upgrades. Should plans for such a hub move forward, Public

Improvements in and around such a site – regardless of where exactly it may be – could include street

widening, increasing numbers of traffic lanes, construction and improvement of sidewalks, drainage

improvements, corridor improvements, site development for economic development opportunities, and

coordination with railroads for appropriate rail infrastructure.

Need Determination

Needs were identified in consultation with the City’s Engineering Department and through citizen

participation.


Public Services

Of all Community Development activities, the characteristics and purposes of Public Services and public

service requests vary the greatest. Needs include meal programs/food banks, recreation opportunities

for youth, education programs for youth, financial literacy and counseling, utility/rent/deposit

assistance, support services for people living with HIV/AIDS, HIV/AIDS testing, jobs training programs,

after school programs for children and youth, support services for homeless persons (varies greatly),

medical services, mental/behavioral health services, lead poison screening, disability advocacy, fair

housing education and housing counseling, business counseling for those seeking self-employment,

adult literacy programs, programs to identify and address language/literacy disorders as early as

possible in children, and day services (“day haven”) for the homeless.

Need Determination

Needs were identified through consultation with various non-profits and other agencies that provide, or

hope to provide the services identified.


Housing Market Analysis

MA-05 Overview

Housing Market Analysis Overview:

The following Market Analysis provides information on the housing market in the City of Hattiesburg by

addressing the availability of housing, the cost of housing, the condition of the housing stock, public

housing opportunities, barriers to housing, and homeless and special needs facilities. The Market

Analysis section also brings into the discussion, community development needs like Infrastructure and

Economic Development as it identifies demographics of the economic community and the area’s

workforce.

Through consultation with various agencies that service homeless and special needs populations, it was

evident that there is a great need for facilities such as emergency shelter, transitional housing, and

permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals and their families as well as facilities for special

needs households.


MA-10 Number of Housing Units

Introduction

Although there are some indications of need in terms of affordable housing units, there is not an

abundantly clear need in terms of total housing stock. There is not a preponderance of evidence that

would indicate that people/households are homeless solely because there are no available housing

units. Units are available, but affordability may be a factor because of some combination of employment

and/or income, availability of housing vouchers, and location conducive to employment and/or

transportation.

All rental properties by number of units

Property Type Number %

1-unit detached structure 19,845 65%

1-unit, attached structure 453 1%

2-4 units 2,836 9%

5-20 units 5,132 17%

More than 20 units 1,674 5%

Mobile Home, boat, RV, van, etc 598 2%

Total 30,538 100%

Table 26 – Rental Properties by Unit Number Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data

Unit Size by Tenure

Owners Renters

Number % Number %

No bedroom 27 0% 179 2%

1 bedroom 31 0% 3,364 29%

2 bedrooms 1,357 17% 5,480 47%

3 bedrooms 6,789 83% 2,618 22%

Total 8,204 100% 11,641 100%

Table 27 – Unit Size by Tenure Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data

Number and Targeting of Units

The Hattiesburg Housing Authority is the only public housing authority that operates within the City of

Hattiesburg, and they currently have 296 units – all of which are occupied. The City of Hattiesburg’s

Community Development Division, with funding through the HOME Investment Partnership Program,

has constructed through partnership with other community organizations, a minimal number of housing

units for low-income, first time homebuyers. The City’s programs as well as the Hattiesburg Housing


Authority target low to moderate-income households. There is no targeting of family types, although in

the case of the housing authority, the type of family served from their waiting list of applicants will be

determined based on the type of unit (number of bedrooms, ADA accessibility, etc.) that has become

available.

Units Expected to be lost from Inventory

Although the City of Hattiesburg’s Community Development efforts include the demolition of housing

units, these demolition projects are limited to vacant, often abandoned, dilapidated homes that are

unsuitable and unsafe for occupancy. As such, these demolitions are not reducing the affordable

housing inventory. Additionally, the Hattiesburg Housing Authority is undergoing efforts to begin the

replacement of older units, but this process will not involve the long-term loss of affordable units.

Does the availability of housing units meet the needs of the population?

The Hattiesburg Housing Authority’s waiting list of applicants is one indication that the housing stock in

Hattiesburg may not be fully supporting the needs of the population. While the people on the waiting

list may not necessarily be homeless, it is reasonable to presume that the people on the waiting list are

not comfortable or accepting of their current living situation because of some combination of 1) cost

burden, 2) physical housing condition, 3) overcrowding, or 4) some other economic and/or quality of life

issue. Though there are some liberties being taken in this assessment, it is reasonable to presume that if

an individual’s needs/desires in all of these areas were being met, they would likely not be on a waiting

list for a public housing unit.

Need for Specific Types of Housing

The Hattiesburg Housing Authority’s significant waiting list indicates that there is a need for additional

housing units. In addition to needs for traditional housing units, needs have been identified through

consultation with several non-profit agencies and service providers, for particular special needs and

homeless populations. These needs include single room occupancy units for mentally ill or other

applicable populations, general transitional housing units (not specific to special needs groups) for

individuals and families coming out of emergency shelter, and permanent affordable housing units

conducive to individuals or families moving from transitional housing. The City of Hattiesburg also has a

growing need for emergency shelter options for households facing homelessness.


MA-15 Cost of Housing

Cost of Housing

Based Year:

2000

Most Recent Year:

2009

% Change

Median Home Value 65,400 97,800 50%

Median Contract Rent 374 478 28%

Table 28 – Cost of Housing Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data

Rent Paid Number %

Less than $500 7,016 60.3%

$500-999 4,142 35.6%

$1,000-1,499 263 2.3%

$1,500-1,999 160 1.4%

$2,000 or more 60 0.5%

Total 11,641 100.0%

Table 29 - Rent Paid Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data

Housing Affordability

% Units affordable to Households earning

Renter Owner

30% HAMFI No Data No Data




Total 0 0

Table 30 – Housing Affordability Data Source Comments:

Monthly Rent

Monthly Rent ($) Efficiency (no bedroom)

1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom

Fair Market Rent 475 541 644 938 968

High HOME Rent 495 564 671 804 878

Low HOME Rent 433 464 557 643 718

Table 31 – Monthly Rent Data Source: HUD FMR and HOME Rents


Availability of Sufficient Housing

The waiting list for housing at the Hattiesburg Housing Authority, as well as consultations with various

non-profit agencies indicate that inventory of housing may not be sufficient for extremely low income

residents, including households moving through transitional housing arrangements. Inventory of

housing appears to be sufficient for households of higher income levels, although there are often

credit/financing obstacles for those in the low- to moderate-income segments attempting to purchase a

home even though the housing cost burden to own is often less than what one might face in a

comparable rental arrangement.

Expected Change of Housing Affordability

Home values rose consistently in the early 2000’s and spiked significantly in 2005 and 2006 following

Hurricane Katrina. The troubles in the housing market and finance industry since 2009 have brought

home values down. There has not been much impact to rents that would suggest they have come down

in parity with home values since 2009.

Rent Comparison

Median Contract Rent is below that of Fair Market Rent and HOME Rents for all categories of units with

the exception of zero-bedroom units. This would indicate that the majority of rental units in Hattiesburg

are more affordable than what HUD considers as a fair/allowable value for such units. In terms of

impacting strategies for affordable housing activities, this does not make a considerable case to justify

the City focusing on creating affordable rental activities. Although the overall strategy may include

certain rental activities, it is more likely that such activities will remain a smaller part of the overall

strategy.


MA-20 Condition of Housing

Definitions

A home with a substandard condition is one in which there is any code violation, any health or safety

concern or deficiency, or one that is lacking any properly functioning system including roof, electrical,

plumbing, full bathroom, and kitchen. Substandard condition but suitable for rehabilitation is a property

that can be rehabilitated within the framework of the City of Hattiesburg’s Housing Rehabilitation,

Repair, and Reconstruction Manual. As of 2012, the manual lists a limit on such a project at a hard cost

of $50,000. It should be noted that this manual serves the purpose of the CDBG/HOME Rehabilitation

Program, which only pertains to homeowner occupied units as of 2012. Should the program and/or

manual change, or should additional programs and manual components be established in the future, the

definition as it relates to “suitable for rehabilitation” will naturally be the greater of any similar

thresholds described.

Condition of Units

Condition of Units Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied

Number % Number %

With one selected Condition 2,280 28% 5,966 51%

With two selected Conditions 56 1% 226 2%

With three selected Conditions 0 0% 32 0%

With four selected Conditions 0 0% 0 0%

No selected Conditions 5,868 72% 5,417 47%

Total 8,204 101% 11,641 100%

Table 32 - Condition of Units Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data

Year Unit Built

Year Unit Built Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied

Number % Number %

2000 or later 448 5% 1,576 14%

1980-1999 1,513 18% 3,244 28%

1950-1979 4,474 55% 5,892 51%

Before 1950 1,769 22% 929 8%

Total 8,204 100% 11,641 101%

Table 33 – Year Unit Built Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS


Risk of Lead-Based Paint Hazard Risk of Lead-Based Paint Hazard Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied

Number % Number %

Total Number of Units Built Before 1980 6,243 76% 6,821 59%

Housing Units build before 1980 with children present 1,943 24% 720

Table 34 – Risk of Lead-Based Paint Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS

Vacant Units

Suitable for Rehabilitation

Not Suitable for Rehabilitation

Total

Vacant Units 0 0 0

Abandoned Vacant Units 0 0 0

REO Properties 0 0 0

Abandoned REO Properties 0 0 0

Table 35 - Vacant Units Data Source Comments:

Need for Owner and Rental Rehabilitation

The history of the City’s Homeowner Rehabilitation Program indicates that there is still a great need for

such work. In 2009, the City stopped taking applications for homeowner rehab when the list of

applicants exceeded 300. The general condition of aging housing stock in Hattiesburg would indicate

that there is likely an equal proportion of rental units in the City that are in need of rehabilitation. The

promotion of homeownership and the existing, documented need for homeowner rehab justify a

continued focus on homeowner rehab versus rental rehab in the future, although rental rehabilitation

will be given consideration.

Estimated Number of Housing Units Occupied by Low or Moderate Income Families with LBP

Hazards

Approximately 13,064 housing units in the City of Hattiesburg were built prior to 1980, and thus

potentially contain lead-based paint hazards. It is estimated that 53% of Hattiesburg households are

low- to moderate-income, so a simplified and conservative estimate of 6,924 units contain lead-based

paint hazards and are occupied by LMI families. The actual number will be somewhat lower considering

that 1) all LMI families do not reside in pre-1978 homes, 2) all pre-1980 homes do not have lead-based

paint hazards, and 3) the City (as should any other entity using federal funds) abides by 24 CFR Part 35,

which requires lead abatement on certain rehabilitation projects.


MA-25 Public and Assisted Housing

Introduction

The Hattiesburg Housing Authority is the only public housing authority that operates within the City limits. The Mississippi Regional Housing

Authority No. 8 operates in the region and offers Section 8 vouchers that can be used within the City, but operates no public housing units.

Totals Number of Units

Program Type

Certificate Mod-Rehab Public Housing

Vouchers

Total Project -based Tenant -based


Veterans Affairs

Supportive Housing

Family Unification

Program

Disabled *

# of units vouchers available 296

# of accessible units

# of FSS participants

# of FSS completions


Table 36 – Total Number of Units by Program Type Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center)

Supply of Public Housing Development

The Hattiesburg Housing Authority has two developments with 120 units each, and two developments of 28 single-family units each, for a total

of 296 units. The two 120-unit developments are more than 70 years old and are in need of replacement.


Public Housing Condition

Public Housing Development Average Inspection Score

Hattiesburg Housing Authority 65

Table 37 - Public Housing Condition

Restoration and Revitalization Needs

As can be expected with aging buildings, there is a growing need for ongoing maintenance, and

upgrades and rehabilitation efforts on older buildings are costly. The HHA has plans in place to begin

replacing the older units in the coming years.

Strategy of Improving the Living Environment of low- and moderate Income Families

The Hattiesburg Housing Authority has a citizen participation process by which residents are involved in

the development of capital improvement plans. Additionally, the plans to replace the older housing

stock would improve the living environment for residents.


MA-30 Homeless Facilities

Introduction

INVENTORIES OF FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Pine Belt Mental Healthcare - Ivy Trace Female Group Home (7); The Oaks Male Group Home (10)

· Housing and mental healthcare for adults who are mentally ill; information and referral services

Breakthrough Community Services - Mercy House Group Home (6)

· Housing, counseling, and support services for youth who are in the Custody of the State

Salvation Army - Emergency shelter with (43) beds & three (3) baby beds; three (3) family rooms for women with children

· Emergency shelter, counseling, information and referral services

Domestic Abuse Family Shelter - Emergency shelter with twenty (20) beds for women and children and an area for children

· Full service shelters for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse; information and Referral services

South Mississippi Children’s Center - Emergency shelter for children ages 10-17 for eleven (11) children for up to 45 days

· Shelter, diagnostic and evaluation services; information and referral services

Christian Services - Emergency shelter, Genesis Homes - three (3) homes for families with children; Transitional Program for up to 18 months for

men 18 years old and older

· Shelter, counseling, employment assistance, etc.; information and referral services


AIDS Services Coalition - Transitional housing for up to ten (10) individuals with HIV/AIDS for up to two (2) years while working towards

rehabilitation

· Housing, meals, counseling, educational programs, therapy, rental assistance, nutrition assistance, referral for child care, substance abuse

counseling

Pine Grove Next Step - Housing and basic care management for up to 25 males and 30 females who are chronically homeless and suffer

addiction, mental illness, or disability

· Housing, basic care, mental health, vocal rehab, case management

Special Needs Facilities and Services

The Consolidated Plan must describe the facilities and services that assist persons who are not homeless but who require supportive housing

and programs for ensuring that persons returning from mental and physical health institutions receive appropriate supportive housing.

Agencies such as the following provide services and facilities to assist persons who are not homeless but who require supportive services, for

persons who are returning from mental and physical health institutions: The Forrest County Health Department, Lamar County Health

Department, Pine Belt Mental Health Resources, AIDS Services Coalition, Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, Domestic Abuse

Family Shelter, Salvation Army, and Christian Services.

Facilities Targeted to Homeless Persons

Emergency Shelter Beds Transitional Housing Beds

Permanent Supportive Housing Beds

Year Round Beds (Current & New)

Voucher / Seasonal /

Overflow Beds

Current & New Current & New Under Development

Households with Adult(s) and

Child(ren) 8 0 0 35 0

Unaccompanied Youth 35 0 95 81 0


Emergency Shelter Beds Transitional Housing Beds

Permanent Supportive Housing Beds

Year Round Beds (Current & New)

Voucher / Seasonal /

Overflow Beds

Current & New Current & New Under Development

Households with Only Adults 0 0 0 27 0

Chronically Homeless Households 0 0 64 0 0

Veterans 15 0 0 0 0

Table 38 - Facilities Targeted to Homeless Persons

Data Source Comments: Data gathered from Mississippi United to End Homelessness.


Describe mainstream services, such as health, mental health, and employment services to the extent those services are use to complement services targeted to homeless persons

Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services offers services to chronically homeless persons,

which often involves health and mental health services. The University of Southern Mississippi’s

Institute for Disability Studies also provides case management services, which may vary depending on an

individual’s needs, but could include employability skills. Several agencies have expressed interest in the

creation of a day haven for homeless persons, which would create a temporary address that may help in

gaining employment, and may serve as a location from which other employment/employability services

are provided.

List and describe services and facilities that meet the needs of homeless persons, particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth. If the services and facilities are listed on screen SP-40 Institutional Delivery Structure or screen MA-35 Special Needs Facilities and Services, describe how these facilities and services specifically address the needs of these populations.

***Basic Facility Info is listed in Introduction section above - IDIS' character limit in this box prohibited a

full answer***

Facilities and Services/Non-Homeless

The following is a listing of the agencies providing facilities and services to the non-homeless who

require supportive housing and other support needs:

Agency/Facility - Services Provided

Domestic Abuse Family Shelter - Shelter for victims of Domestic Violence; Child Care; Counseling

Christian Services - Emergency Shelter; Food; Counseling; Transitional Housing; Rent and Mortgage

Assistance

Salvation Army - Food; Clothing; Medicine; Shelter; Rental Assistance

AIDS Services Coalition - Assistance with: Food, lodging, counseling, rental assistance, utility assistance,

assistance with medications, HIV/AIDS prevention education, nutritional assistance, Food Pantry,

referrals for child care, medical services, substance abuse/drug counseling, mental health, etc. The

Coalition is the only HIV/AIDS service organization providing comprehensive HIV disease specific

individual services and referral.

Boys & Girls Clubs - Wide variety of Youth Development Programs; Recreation; Crisis Intervention;

Substance Abuse Prevention; Public Housing; Youth Sports Program


Pine Belt Mental Healthcare - Shelter for Alcohol and Drug Abusers; Temporary shelter for Transient

Men and Women; Counseling; Food; Clothing; Mental Healthcare and counseling; Case Management;

Severely limited housing

Forrest & Lamar County Health Departments - Home Health Care; Testing for Persons with AIDS;

Provisions of Medicine and Health Care; Testing; Immunization

MS Dept of Rehab Services - Employment assistance

Meals on Wheels - Home delivery of meals to the elderly

Christian Services - Hot meals daily; Rental assistance; Utility assistance; Clothing; Help with cost of

medicine; Referral to other assistance agencies

PACE Headstart - Child Care Program designed to allow parents to seek and maintain gainful

employment in part; Educational Programs

Catholic Social and Community Services - Food; Clothing; Utility Assistance; Counseling; Assistance with

housing

Breakthrough Community Services, Inc. - Utility Assistance

Pine Belt Community Services - Meals Program

American Red Cross - Emergency Support Services

United Way - Financial Literacy Programs

Facilities and Programs for Mentally and Physically Impaired

The availability of facilities and programs to serve the mentally and physically impaired are limited.

Agencies known to serve mentally and physically impaired include, but are not limited to:

· Pine Belt Mental Healthcare

· Pine Grove Next Step

· Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services

· LIFE of South Mississippi

· Salvation Army


· Christian Services, Inc.

· AIDS Services Coalition


MA-35 Special Needs Facilities and Services

Including the elderly, frail elderly, persons with disabilities (mental, physical, developmental), persons with alcohol or other drug addictions, persons with HIV/AIDS and their families, public housing residents and any other categories the jurisdiction may specify, and describe their supportive housing needs

The City’s interaction with several non-profit agencies that serve special needs groups serves as

evidence that there is an ongoing need for such services in the City. The AIDS Services Coalition’s 1-2-1

Haven House serves persons living with HIV/AIDS and provides various supportive services. Pine Grove

Behavioral Health & Addiction Services serves chronically homeless populations, which often require

services related to various addictions, physical health needs, and/or mental health services. Living

Independently for Everyone (LIFE) serves as an advocate for people living with disabilities. Several

organizations offer transitional housing options for homeless families and individuals; these

organizations have case management service needs to assist their residents.

Describe programs for ensuring that persons returning from mental and physical health

institutions receive appropriate supportive housing

The staff at Forrest General Hospital is trained to screen and identify patients that may have special

housing and/or related supportive service needs. A procedure created by FGH and Pine grove

Behavioral Health & Addiction Services ensures that hospital staff provides applicable referrals or

involves the Pine Grove staff as needed in order to better determine and serve patients' special needs.

Specify the activities that the jurisdiction plans to undertake during the next year to address

the housing and supportive services needs identified in accordance with 91.215(e) with

respect to persons who are not homeless but have other special needs. Link to one-year

goals. 91.315(e)

The Pinebelt Coalition on Homelessness includes representation from the City’s Department of Federal

Programs and the Department of Urban Development. Meetings of the coalition serve as an opportunity

for appropriate City staff to become apprised of the goings on of the local agencies that directly serve

the homeless and special needs populations. Collaboration at the meetings shed light on opportunities

for the members – including the City – to partner for mutual purposes. In the next year, the City’s Public

Relations Office plans to produce a referral brochure related to local services for the homeless. Many of

the Coalition members will be referenced, and the document will be a useful tool to provide to

homeless individuals, the public, law enforcement, and other partner agencies. Additionally, the City’s

annual use of CDBG funds for Public Service activities often includes services that benefit the homeless

and/or special needs populations. While specific public service activities have not been identified for

2013 and beyond (they will depend on results of an RFP process), it is a fair assumption that housing and

supportive services will continue to be included. Purely in terms of housing, the City’s Downpayment


Assistance Program (HOME funds) can be combined with a similar downpayment program administered

by the USM Institute for Disability Studies (for dually eligible applicants).

For entitlement/consortia grantees: Specify the activities that the jurisdiction plans to undertake during the next year to address the housing and supportive services needs identified in accordance with 91.215(e) with respect to persons who are not homeless but have other special needs. Link to one-year goals. (91.220(2))

The Pinebelt Coalition on Homelessness includes representation from the City’s Department of Federal

Programs and the Department of Urban Development. Meetings of the coalition serve as an

opportunity for appropriate City staff to become apprised of the goings on of the local agencies that

directly serve the homeless and special needs populations. Collaboration at the meetings shed light on

opportunities for the members – including the City – to partner for mutual purposes. In the next year,

the City’s Public Relations Office plans to produce a referral brochure related to local services for the

homeless. Many of the Coalition members will be referenced, and the document will be a useful tool to

provide to homeless individuals, the public, law enforcement, and other partner agencies. Additionally,

the City’s annual use of CDBG funds for Public Service activities often includes services that benefit the

homeless and/or special needs populations. While specific public service activities have not been

identified for 2013 and beyond (they will depend on results of an RFP process), it is a fair assumption

that housing and supportive services will continue to be included. Purely in terms of housing, the City’s

Downpayment Assistance Program (HOME funds) can be combined with a similar downpayment

program administered by the USM Institute for Disability Studies (for dually eligible applicants).


MA-40 Barriers to Affordable Housing

Negative Effects of Public Policies on Affordable Housing and Residential Investment

The City's zoning ordinance and related regulations are conducive to affordable housing development.

As public policies are concerned, the only notable barrier to affordable housing has to do with

development in flood zones where FEMA regulations create limitations on the value/cost of

rehabilitation that can take place on existing structures. Historically, new affordable housing has not

been created in flood zones when using CDBG or HOME funds because of the challenges of meeting the

development requirements. The City will make it known to partner agencies and CHDOs that such new

developments are possible given compliance with certain development and insurance requirements.

In 2012, the City completed an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing

Choice. Impediments/challenges identified include 1) a lack of fair housing education, 2) the

unavailability of code standard affordable housing for homeownership, 3) the unavailability of code

standard housing, both rental and homeownership for low- to moderate-income persons, 4) the

unavailability of code standard housing, both rental and homeownership for elderly and disabled, 5)

low- to moderate-income persons are un-banked or under-banked and do not understand the need for

good credit ratings, 6) the lack of credit worthy low and moderate-income families limit their

opportunities to purchase affordable housing and to participate in downpayment assistance programs,

and 7) housing to accommodate the needs of persons with HIV/AIDS is virtually non-existent; most

property owners have a fear of renting to a person with AIDS. None of these impediments to fair

housing choice or affordable housing have been created by a public policy. Many of these impediments

can, however, be addressed through proper planning and implementation of the CDBG and HOME

Program activities described herein.


MA-45 Non-Housing Community Development Assets

Economic Development Market Analysis

Business Activity

Business by Sector Number of Workers

Number of Jobs Total Workers Total Jobs Share of Workers

Share of Jobs Jobs less workers

Agriculture, Mining, Oil & Gas

Extraction 116 8 0 0 0 0 0

Construction 1,424 987 0 0 6 4 -2

Manufacturing 2,571 988 0 0 11 4 -7

Wholesale Trade 665 1,106 0 0 3 4 1

Retail Trade 3,380 4,570 0 0 14 19 5

Transportation and Warehousing 766 284 0 0 3 1 -2

Information 307 430 0 0 1 2 1

Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate 1,192 1,976 0 0 5 8 3

Professional, Scientific, Management

Services 1,539 631 0 0 7 3 -4

Education and Health Care Services 5,919 8,863 0 0 25 36 11

Arts, Entertainment, Accommodations 3,762 2,580 0 0 16 10 -6

Other Services 1,031 857 0 0 4 3 -1

Public Administration 888 1,349 0 0 4 5 1

Total 23,560 24,629 0 0 99 99 0

Table 39 - Business Activity Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS (Workers), 2010 ESRI Business Analyst Package (Jobs)


Labor Force

Total Population in the Civilian Labor Force 26,184

Civilian Employed Population 16 years and over 23,560

Unemployment Rate 10.02

Unemployment Rate for Ages 16-24 38.24

Unemployment Rate for Ages 25-65 5.36

Table 40 - Labor Force Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data

Occupations by Sector

Management, business and financial 7,251

Farming, fisheries and forestry occupations 41

Service 4,923

Sales and office 6,269

Construction, extraction, maintenance and

repair 1,751

Production, transportation and material moving 3,325

Table 41 – Occupations by Sector Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data

Travel Time

Travel Time Number Percentage

< 30 Minutes 19,224 84%

30-59 Minutes 2,874 13%

60 or More Minutes 729 3%

Total 22,827 100%

Table 42 - Travel Time Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data

Education:

Educational Attainment by Employment Status (Population 16 and Older)

Educational Attainment In Labor Force

Civilian Employed Unemployed Not in Labor Force

Less than high school graduate 1,305 164 998

High school graduate (includes

equivalency) 2,928 489 1,265


Educational Attainment In Labor Force

Civilian Employed Unemployed Not in Labor Force

Some college or Associate's degree 4,827 213 1,619

Bachelor's degree or higher 5,494 263 986

Table 43 - Educational Attainment by Employment Status Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data

Educational Attainment by Age

Age

18–24 yrs 25–34 yrs 35–44 yrs 45–65 yrs 65+ yrs

Less than 9th grade 262 272 144 428 706

9th to 12th grade, no diploma 1,129 414 343 866 710

High school graduate, GED, or

alternative 3,022 1,651 1,177 1,987 1,360

Some college, no degree 7,328 1,480 1,272 2,335 970

Associate's degree 1,077 732 566 606 201

Bachelor's degree 1,324 1,507 841 1,545 770

Graduate or professional degree 117 990 706 1,194 809

Table 44 - Educational Attainment by Age Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data

Educational Attainment – Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months

Educational Attainment Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months

Less than high school graduate 12,952

High school graduate (includes equivalency) 17,798

Some college or Associate's degree 23,365

Bachelor's degree 30,200

Graduate or professional degree 39,766

Table 45 – Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data

Based on the Business Activity table above, what are the major employment sectors within

your jurisdiction?

The largest employment sectors in the City of Hattiesburg are, starting with the largest: Public

Administration; Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate; Retail; Construction; and Professional, Scientific,

and Management Services.

Describe the workforce and infrastructure needs of the business community:


The City of Hattiesburg has a very diverse economy in that the economic climate of the City is not

dependent on the success of any single sector. In terms of workforce, the City benefits from the

presence of one public and one private university – The University of Southern Mississippi and William

Carey University, respectively – as well as a branch of Pearl River Community College and private trade

school, Antonelli College. Although these formal education institutions provide opportunities for

individuals to further their education and in some cases, to learn a trade, there are segments of the

population that may not be immediately eligible for enrollment, but would benefit from learning a

trade. The City, through partnerships with local non-profits, has participated in workforce development

efforts geared toward low-income individuals that wish to enter the construction field and for

individuals recently released from incarceration and/or rehabilitation facilities that may benefit from

employment skills training. The City has also established and implemented a Microenterprise Assistance

Program through which small businesses are assisted in part as an effort to create employment

opportunities for low-income residents. In terms of infrastructure needs in the business community, the

Forrest County Industrial Park is a mature industrial park. To adequately service some of the remainder

acreage available, minor upgrades and new extensions need to be made. Identifying new sites for

industries to conduct their respective business is an ongoing process to keep the region competitive in

site selection location. In that vein, there is a basic need for space/land designated for industrial

use. The closer such land/space is to the City of Hattiesburg, the more of a benefit it becomes for the

City as a whole, and particularly for the workforce and lower-income (or unemployed) workers that may

qualify for employment opportunities at such a facility.

Describe any major changes that may have an economic impact, such as planned local or

regional public or private sector investments or initiatives that have affected or may affect

job and business growth opportunities during the planning period. Describe any needs for

workforce development, business support or infrastructure these changes may create

The Port of Gulfport is undergoing a major expansion project to increase its capacity to handle more

containers. Hattiesburg, being approximately 60 miles north, has the ability to see new business growth

opportunities. Existing industries within the region are continually making new investments in their

respective businesses that is stimulating growth and adding new jobs. Over the past year, there have

been a number of investments in this region that have totaled over $700,000,000 and over 1,000 jobs.

How do the skills and education of the current workforce correspond to employment

opportunities in the jurisdiction?

A 2010 Pathfinders study showed that this region had 24,700 underemployed workers in various

industries within a 40 mile radius and 52,000 with a 60 mile radius. As new employment opportunists

continue to flourish in the region, workforce-training programs are available for industries to utilize as a

resource to provide their workforce with the necessary skill set needed to achieve the goals of the job.


Describe any current workforce training initiatives, including those supported by Workforce

Investment Boards, community colleges and other organizations. Describe how these efforts

will support the jurisdiction's Consolidated Plan

The Pine Belt region is home to a wide variety of entities that provide the best business models in

workforce education and training through various state, federal, and community development

programs. From adult education to specially designed programs for targeted business and industry,

workforce development is vital to ensuring the academic, occupational and continuing education needs

of the workforce and employers are met. This concept allows us an opportunity to facilitate the building

of a strong workforce for the great and ever-changing needs of our business and industry

community. Pearl River Community College’s Lowery A. Woodall Advanced Technology Center provides

computer classes, a workkeys service center, and adult learning classes; The WIN Job Center combines

state, federal, and community development programs in easily accessible, one-stop service centers.

These centers offer a variety of services in areas of unemployment insurance assistance, education,

training, human services, and employment, and are networked throughout the state of Mississippi;

Jones County Junior College’s Advanced Technology Center provides Workforce Development, Adult

Education, and has a Small Business Development Center.

Does your jurisdiction participate in a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

(CEDS)?

Yes

If so, what economic development initiatives are you undertaking that may be coordinated

with the Consolidated Plan? If not, describe other local/regional plans or initiatives that

impact economic growth.

Yes, the area falls in the South Mississippi Planning Development District and is a part of their regional

growth strategy. In addition to SMPDD, the Area Development Partnership outlines goals and objectives

on a 5 years basis, with updates and adjustments annually. The goals and objectives are based on

assessments to best increase economic development activity in the region.


MA-50 Needs and Market Analysis Discussion

Are there any populations or households in areas or neighborhoods that are more affected by

multiple housing problems?

The City's Housing Rehabilitation, Repair, and Reconstruction Program has historically addressed more

homes in Wards 2 and 5 than in any other areas of the City. The vast majority rehabilitation and repair

projects that are taken on involve the correction of more than one housing problem, and homes that are

reconstructed are done so when the cost of addressing all rehabilitation needs are prohibitively

costly. Although this data does not definitively support the claim that households with multiple housing

problems are concentrated in Wards 2 and 5, it can be inferred that such is the case.

Are there areas in the Jurisdiction where these populations are concentrated?

A comparison of a map showing minority concentrations in the City of Hattiesburg and a map showing

the concentration of low-income households in the City reveal glaring similarities. Particular areas (but

certainly not all areas) of Wards 2, 4, and 5 are identified as low-income areas, which also may be

considered "majority-minority" areas in that black/African-American population is significantly higher

than white population. For this purpose, "concentration" refers only to actual presence/residence and

does not refer to a particular threshold.

What are the characteristics of the market in these areas/neighborhoods?

Neighborhoods with high concentrations of households with multiple housing problems are typically

located in areas where low-income residents are concentrated. Characteristics of such neighborhoods

may include vacant, blighted housing, vacant lots where demolition activities previously took place, and

occupied homes - either owner-occupied or rented - that may be in deteriorating condition. As can be

expected, some of the deteriorating conditions are not unnoticed by the occupants, but the owners may

not have the financial resources or the skills necessary to correct maintenance issues.

Are there any community assets in these areas/neighborhoods?

Seemingly, every neighborhood in the City has assets that could be utilized in community development

efforts. Some neighborhoods have parks where neighborhood gatherings and events could be held;

some neighborhoods have schools or former school buildings that could be used as community centers,

used by non-profits for programs, or converted into multi-unit housing facilities; some neighborhoods

have vacant land or lots that could be converted into recreational open space, parks, or community

gardens. Several neighborhoods - even some that appear purely residential - have nearby neighborhood

businesses and/or land that is zoned (or could become zoned) for particular business uses that would

support neighborhood businesses.

Are there other strategic opportunities in any of these areas?


See the section above regarding community assets, which relates potential strategic opportunities

through the use or leveraging of community assets.


Strategic Plan

SP-05 Overview

Strategic Plan Overview

The City of Hattiesburg's strategy in addressing priority needs over the 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan

period will focus largely on Housing, but will also incorporate more intentional efforts to directly impact

the homeless, special needs populations, and the agencies that serve them through housing and/or

supportive services. The manner through which homeless and special needs populations are served

may vary and overlap with other priority needs that the City plans to address, such as Housing, Public

Services, Public Facility Improvement, and potentially even Infrastructure Improvement and Economic

Development efforts.

Regarding housing priorities, the Housing Rehabilitation and Repair Program will continue to address

code compliant affordable housing and safety of residents. The Downpayment Assistance Program will

continue to offer advantages to low/mod first time homebuyers. The City will also on a case-by-case

basis consider acquisition opportunities for the purpose of furthering affordable housing, emergency

shelter, transitional housing, and permanent housing. Demolition of vacant, dilapidated houses will

continue to be a focus of the City's attention in the planning period, as removal blighted properties that

are beyond opportunity for repair serves a multitude of purposes in community development. As a

second tier among housing activities, the City may undertake Rental Rehabilitation and/or TBRA

programming should market conditions influence a shift in priority.

Throughout the public participation process, it was apparent that there is an overwhelming need to

address issues of homelessness and populations with a variety of special needs and to support the

agencies that serve these groups. Support from the City in the Consolidated Plan period will include

efforts through Public Service grants, and where appropriate, through Public Facility Improvements,

housing services, and the creation of housing targeted toward the homeless and their families, and

households with special needs.

The City will also consider activities impacting low/mod neighborhoods and households in general with

Public Facility Improvements, Public Services, Infrastructure, Economic Development, and Commercial

Rehabilitation. As a matter of strategic planning, the City has also included Urgent Needs as a priority

within this plan, which may take on many forms in terms of activities should the need arise. This City of

Hattiesburg, having lived through natural disasters and threats of natural disasters, recognizes the

prudence in including Urgent Needs in the Consolidated Plan in order to be afforded flexibility in shifting

priorities to critical needs in the aftermath of a potential disaster.


SP-10 Geographic Priorities

Geographic Area

General Allocation Priorities

Describe the basis for allocating investments geographically

In general, it has not been the City's practice to target investments geographically. While there are

certain activities that are only allowed to take place in low- to moderate-areas (LMA activities), activities

that benefit specific low- or moderate-income household(s) (LMH or LMC) may take place anywhere,

Citywide. While activities that meet LMH or LMC objectives are more flexible in terms of geographic

requirement, in recent years, activities that the City has undertaken with these objectives happen to

have been located in low/mod areas almost exclusively. The majority of activities undertaken by the

City and its partner agencies are located in Census Tracts 001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 011, and 105.

Minimally, the City does target funds designated for its Façade Improvement Program to commercial

buildings in and immediately surrounding the City's downtown area. A smaller version of the Façade

Program was piloted in 2012 to target the commercial corridors that lead to downtown. The basis for

these activities is to eliminate slum and blight, to rehabilitate commercial structures, and to indirectly

promote investment, preservation, and economic development in downtown and the surrounding

commercial corridors.

The City has also entered subrecipient agreements with housing repair organizations that identified

particular areas of need in which to target investment as they addressed code issues and substandard

housing. The City did not require this implementation method, but recognizes the value in its intended

impact.


SP-25 Priority Needs

Priority Needs

Priority Need Name Priority Level Population Goals Addressing

Housing Rehabilitation High Extremely Low

Low

Moderate

Large Families

Families with Children

Elderly

Housing Programs (including

Affordable Housing)

Homeless and Special Needs

Housing Units

Emergency Repair High Extremely Low

Low

Moderate

Large Families


Elderly


Affordable Housing)


Housing Units

Demolition High Extremely Low

Low

Moderate

Demolition

Down Payment Assistance High Extremely Low

Low

Moderate

Large Families


Elderly

Public Housing Residents

Down Payment Assistance

Acquisition Low Extremely Low

Low

Moderate

Middle

Large Families


Elderly


Chronic Homelessness

Individuals


Mentally Ill

Chronic Substance Abuse

veterans


Affordable Housing)


Housing Units


Persons with HIV/AIDS

Victims of Domestic

Violence

Unaccompanied Youth

Elderly

Frail Elderly

Persons with Mental

Disabilities

Persons with Physical

Disabilities

Persons with

Developmental Disabilities

Persons with Alcohol or

Other Addictions


and their Families

Victims of Domestic

Violence

Non-housing Community

Development

Public Facility

Improvement

Low Extremely Low

Low

Moderate

Middle


Development

Public Facility Improvement


Housing Units

Infrastructure Low Extremely Low

Low

Moderate

Middle


Development

Infrastructure

Public Services High Extremely Low

Low

Moderate

Middle

Large Families


Elderly


Rural

Public Services



Individuals


Mentally Ill


veterans


Victims of Domestic

Violence

Unaccompanied Youth

Elderly

Frail Elderly

Persons with Mental

Disabilities


Disabilities

Persons with



Other Addictions


and their Families

Victims of Domestic

Violence

Housing - Special Needs

and/or Homeless

High Extremely Low

Low

Moderate

Large Families


Elderly

Rural


Individuals


Mentally Ill


veterans


Victims of Domestic

Violence

Unaccompanied Youth

Public Services


Housing Units


Elderly

Frail Elderly

Persons with Mental

Disabilities


Disabilities

Persons with



Other Addictions


and their Families

Victims of Domestic

Violence

Microenterprise

Assistance

Low Extremely Low

Low

Moderate


Development

Economic Development

Commercial Rehab -

Facade Improvement

Low Non-housing Community

Development

Commercial Rehabilitation

Rental Rehabilitation Low Extremely Low

Low

Moderate

Large Families


Elderly


Affordable Housing)


Housing Units

Economic Development -

Neighborhoods

Low Extremely Low

Low

Moderate

Middle

Large Families


Elderly



Development


Commercial Rehabilitation

TBRA Low Extremely Low

Low

Large Families



Affordable Housing)


Elderly


Urgent Needs Low Extremely Low

Low

Moderate

Middle

Large Families


Elderly



Development

Table 46 – Priority Needs Summary


SP-30 Influence of Market Conditions

Influence of Market Conditions

Affordable Housing Type

Market Characteristics that will influence the use of funds available for housing type

Tenant Based

Rental Assistance

(TBRA)

At present, the MS Regional Housing Authority No. 8 has stopped issuing section 8

vouchers. Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) is not a high priority need in the

City of Hattiesburg because the Regional Housing Authority administers the

program. However, should the problem of need be exacerbated in the coming years

because the need for vouchers rises significantly or the Regional Authority's supply

of vouchers diminish substantially, the Consolidated Plan's inclusion of TBRA would

allow the City to act by establishing a program and including the funding of it in an

Action Plan.

TBRA for Non-

Homeless Special

Needs

The market characteristics that influence the use of funds for TBRA for Non-

Homeless Special Needs population would not differ significantly from the

characteristics that influence decisions on using funds for TBRA in general. Data

supporting a disproportionate and exacerbated need for this population may

influence the City to act to establish a program targeted to this population.

New Unit

Production

A market analysis by the City's CHDOs or by the City itself must indicate the need

and demand for production of new housing units. The existing housing stock and

presence of vacant housing and houses currently on the market present ample

opportunity for organizations to bring affordable housing units on line without

building new homes. Construction in planned, mixed-income, mixed-use

developments may be considered favorably, but the need for a market analysis is

not waived.

Rehabilitation Historically, the largest program by funding allocation that the City administers is

homeowner-occupied Rehabilitation. Typically, this program is the greatest priority

as the most often defined need. Characteristics that influence the use of funds in

this housing type may depend on pressing needs that arise in other priority need

areas, which may reduce funds available for Rehabilitation, and needs that go

unaddressed (such as when fewer people are approved for Downpayment

Assistance than expected), which may increase the funds available for Rehabilitation.

Acquisition,

including

preservation

Acquisition by homebuyers (Downpayment Assistance) remains a priority

need. Characteristics that influence its funding are largely dependent upon the

number of households that apply and are approved for an award. In recent years,

the use of the DPA Program has slowed considerably because of the conditions in

the housing and finance industries. Improvement in the housing market and a rush

of applicants and interest in the program may influence the funding of the

program. Acquisition/rehab and Acquisition/construction by the City for use as

affordable housing are expected to be done on a very limited, case-by-case basis.

Table 47 – Influence of Market Conditions



SP-35 Anticipated Resources

Anticipated Resources

Program Source of

Funds

Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected Amount Available Reminder of ConPlan

$

Narrative Description Annual

Allocation: $

Program Income:

$

Prior Year Resources:

$

Total: $

CDBG public -

federal

Acquisition

Admin and

Planning

Economic

Development

Housing

Public

Improvements

Public Services 577,023 0 572,000 1,149,023 2,308,092

The Year 1 amount used is the 2012

amount. The expected amount for the

remainder of the Con Plan is simply the

Year 1 amount multiplied by 4. Also, the

Program Income figure is zero, but changes

in programming could potentially create

Program Income. Prior Year resources

listed are an estimate only based on

existing resources and an approximation of

expenditures to be made between the

writing of the Con Plan and the end of the

2012 Program Year.

HOME public -

federal

Acquisition

Homebuyer

assistance

Homeowner

rehab

Multifamily

rental new

construction

Multifamily 275,957 0 352,000 627,957 1,103,828


amount, which was significantly lower than

the 2011 amount. Hopefully actual funding

will be similar to pre-2011 funding. The

expected amount for the remainder of the

Con Plan is simply the Year 1 amount

multiplied by 4. Also, the Program Income

figure is zero, but changes in programming

could potentially create Program Income.


Program Source of

Funds


$


Allocation: $

Program Income:

$


$

Total: $

rental rehab

New

construction for

ownership

TBRA

Prior Year resources listed are an estimate

only based on existing resources and an

approximation of expenditures to be made

between the writing of the Con Plan and

the end of the 2012 Program Year.

Table 48 - Anticipated Resources

Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how

matching requirements will be satisfied

The City hopes to continue its partnerships through groups such as the Housing Roundtable and the Pinebelt Coalition on Homelessness in a

concerted effort to strategically address problems and mutual concerns. As in the past, the City values these and other such partnerships as

community partners bring differing resources to the table - funding, volunteers, services, etc. - for mutual benefit. The City will also continue to

seek out funding opportunities such as those available for housing activities through the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Mississippi Development

Authority, and funding opportunities such as those generously provided in recent years by the Salvation Army. Regarding matching

requirements, the City of Hattiesburg does not have a local HOME matching requirement.

If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs

identified in the plan

The City has recently utilized its mapping capabilities to identify City and State owned property throughout the City of Hattiesburg. These

properties are reviewed periodically when need arises for particular projects, and the City intends to continue this approach of utilizing property

already in its inventory (when appropriate) before seeking property to purchase.


SP-40 Institutional Delivery Structure

Explain the institutional structure through which the jurisdiction will carry out its consolidated plan

including private industry, non-profit organizations, and public institutions.

Responsible Entity Responsible Entity Type

Role Geographic Area Served

Government public facilities Other

Government public services Other

Government Economic

Development

Other

Government Planning Other


Government neighborhood

improvements

Other


Government Economic

Development

Other


HOUSING

ALTERNATIVES OF

HATTIESBURG

CHDO Ownership Jurisdiction



Government Economic

Development

Other


Non-profit

organizations

Non-homeless special

needs

Region

Non-profit

organizations

public services Region

Non-profit

organizations

Economic

Development

Region

COMMUNITY

CONNECTIONS

Ownership

COMMUNITY

CONNECTIONS

neighborhood

improvements

BREAKTHROUGH

COMMUNITY SERVICES


BREAKTHROUGH

COMMUNITY SERVICES

CHDO neighborhood

improvements

Jurisdiction


BREAKTHROUGH

COMMUNITY SERVICES

CHDO public services Jurisdiction

PINE BELT COMMUNITY

SERVICES, INC.


PINE BELT COMMUNITY

SERVICES, INC.

CHDO Rental Jurisdiction

PINE BELT COMMUNITY

SERVICES, INC.

CHDO neighborhood

improvements

Jurisdiction

PINE BELT COMMUNITY

SERVICES, INC.

CHDO public services Jurisdiction

CENTER FOR

PREVENTION OF CHILD

ABUSE

Non-profit

organizations

Region

Public institution Ownership State

Public institution Homelessness State

Public institution Non-homeless special

needs

State

Public institution public services State

American Red Cross,

South Central MS

Chapter

Non-profit

organizations

Homelessness Region

R3SM, Inc. Subrecipient Ownership Region

R3SM, Inc. Subrecipient neighborhood

improvements

Region

United Way of

Southeast Mississippi

Non-profit

organizations


needs

Region

United Way of


Non-profit

organizations

neighborhood

improvements

Region

United Way of


Non-profit

organizations


Forrest General Hospital

(Pine Grove Behavioral

Health & Addiction

Services)

Subrecipient Homelessness Region



Health & Addiction

Services)

Subrecipient Non-homeless special

needs

Region



Health & Addiction

Subrecipient public services Region


Services)

Non-profit

organizations

Homelessness Region

Non-profit

organizations


needs

Region

Non-profit

organizations

public facilities Region

Non-profit

organizations


Non-profit

organizations

Homelessness Region

Non-profit

organizations

public facilities Region

Non-profit

organizations

neighborhood

improvements

Region

Non-profit

organizations


AIDS Services Coalition Subrecipient Homelessness Jurisdiction

AIDS Services Coalition Subrecipient Non-homeless special

needs

Jurisdiction

Hattiesburg Area

Habitat for Humanity

Subrecipient Ownership Region

Southern MS Planning &

Development District

Regional organization Non-homeless special

needs

Region



Regional organization public services Region



Regional organization Economic

Development

Region



Regional organization Planning Region

Hattiesburg Housing

Authority

PHA Rental Jurisdiction

Hattiesburg Housing

Authority

PHA Public Housing Jurisdiction

South Mississippi

Children's Center

Non-profit

organizations

Homelessness Region

South Mississippi

Children's Center

Non-profit

organizations


needs

Region

South Mississippi

Children's Center

Non-profit

organizations


MS Regional Housing PHA Rental Region


Authority No. 8

MS Regional Housing

Authority No. 8

PHA Public Housing Region

Table 49 - Institutional Delivery Structure

Assess of Strengths and Gaps in the Institutional Delivery System

An assessment of the strengths in the Institutional Structure revealed that there is a large number of

well-organized agencies committed to addressing the needs of Hattiesburg's low- and moderate-income

persons. Hundreds of volunteers support these agencies, and literally thousands of people are served

with limited facilities and funding. Most notable among gaps in the Institutional structure are the

following:

The lack of code compliant, affordable rental housing for LMI households

The difficulty in attaining financing for potential LMI homebuyers

The lack of programs to assist owners of rental homes to upgrade housing while keeping rents

affordable

The inadequate number of public housing units (which exacerbates the lack of affordable, code

compliant housing)

The need for additional emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent housing for

homeless individuals and families

The need for additional supportive services for homeless individuals and families

The need for additional emergency and transitional housing for homeless persons with HIV/AIDS

and their families

The need for transitional and permanent housing for those with special needs i.e. drug and

alcohol, mental illness, etc.

The need for housing for persons with disabilities

The need to expand programs to address the needs of youth who suffer from drug and alcohol

abuse

Availability of services targeted to homeless persons and persons with HIV and mainstream

services

Homelessness Prevention Services

Available in the Community

Targeted to Homeless

Targeted to People with HIV

Homelessness Prevention Services

Counseling/Advocacy X X

Legal Assistance X

Mortgage Assistance X X

Rental Assistance X X

Utilities Assistance X X


Street Outreach Services

Law Enforcement X X

Mobile Clinics

Other Street Outreach Services X X

Supportive Services

Alcohol & Drug Abuse X X

Child Care X X

Education X X X

Employment and Employment

Training X X

Healthcare X X X

HIV/AIDS X X X

Life Skills X X X

Mental Health Counseling X X X

Transportation X X X

Other X

Table 50 - Homeless Prevention Services Summary

Describe how the service delivery system including, but not limited to, the services listed

above meet the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and

families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth)

The organizations that offer services targeted to homeless persons and persons with HIV/AIDS do not

lack for clients to serve. Agencies that serve these populations are in constant need of resources -

volunteers (when applicable), funding, facilities, supplies, etc.

Describe the strengths and gaps of the service delivery system for special needs population

and persons experiencing homelessness, including, but not limited to, the services listed

above

As with the Institutional Structure in general, there is great strength in the fact that the organizations

addressing homelessness and special needs are well organized. An additional strength lies in the fact

that their missions are similar, yet diverse, in the specific special needs groups that they serve. This list,

taken from the list above lists the gaps noted in delivery service.

The need for additional emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent housing for

homeless individuals and families

The need for additional emergency and transitional housing for homeless persons with HIV/AIDS

and their families


The need for transitional and permanent housing for those with special needs i.e. drug and

alcohol, mental illness, etc.

The need for housing for persons with disabilities

The need to expand programs to address the needs of youth who suffer from drug and alcohol

abuse

The need for additional supportive services for homeless individuals and families

Provide a summary of the strategy for overcoming gaps in the institutional structure and

service delivery system for carrying out a strategy to address priority needs

The Consolidated Plan process requires that the City take a proactive role and a collaborative effort in

the delivery of housing, supportive housing, and non-housing community development needs in

Hattiesburg.

Rehabilitation and Emergency Repair programs to improve existing owner-occupied housing will

continue to be the focus of the CDBG and HOME Programs. The City will additionally continue to

partner with housing organizations in the arena of affordable housing development. The City will

enforce housing codes to bring about improvement of substandard rental properties and will support

efforts to improve the properties. The City will also support the Hattiesburg Housing Authority and the

Regional Housing Authority in efforts to expand the number of units and Section 8 vouchers available in

the City.

The City will continue to support efforts of agencies - particularly those participating in the Pinebelt

Coalition to End Homelessness - to increase the availability of emergency, transitional, and permanent

housing to accommodate the homeless, and for the expansion of supportive services to address the

accompanying needs. The City will continue to support the efforts of agencies providing housing and

supportive services to persons with HIV/AIDS and their families and to special needs populations. The

City will also continue to support efforts to broaden housing opportunities for the disabled and to make

contractors aware of ADA requirements.

The City will support efforts/programs that address the needs of at-risk youth who suffer from drug and

alcohol abuse.


SP-45 Goals Summary

Goals Summary Information

Goal Name Start Year

End Year

Category Geographic Area

Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator

Housing Programs

(including

Affordable Housing)

2013 2017 Affordable

Housing

Housing

Rehabilitation

Emergency Repair

Acquisition

Rental

Rehabilitation

TBRA

CDBG:

$858,092

HOME:

$1,141,806

Rental units rehabilitated:

2 Household Housing Unit

Homeowner Housing Added:


Homeowner Housing

Rehabilitated:


Demolition 2013 2017 Demolition Demolition CDBG:

$250,000

Buildings Demolished:

50 Buildings

Down Payment

Assistance


Housing

Down Payment

Assistance

HOME:

$100,000

Direct Financial Assistance to

Homebuyers:

10 Households Assisted

Public Facility

Improvement

2013 2017 Non-Housing

Community

Development

Public Facility

Improvement

CDBG:

$100,000

Public Facility or Infrastructure

Activities other than

Low/Moderate Income Housing

Benefit:

500 Persons Assisted


Activities for Low/Moderate

Income Housing Benefit:




End Year



Infrastructure 2013 2017 Non-Housing

Community

Development

Infrastructure CDBG:

$250,000


Activities other than


Benefit:


Public Services 2013 2017 Homeless

Non-Homeless

Special Needs

Non-Housing

Community

Development

Public Services

Housing - Special

Needs and/or

Homeless

CDBG:

$325,000

Public service activities other than


Benefit:


Homeless Person Overnight

Shelter:


Homelessness Prevention:


HIV/AIDS Housing Operations:


Homeless and

Special Needs

Housing Units


Housing

Homeless

Non-Homeless

Special Needs

Housing

Rehabilitation

Emergency Repair

Acquisition

Public Facility

Improvement

Housing - Special

Needs and/or

Homeless

CDBG:

$300,000


Activities for Low/Moderate

Income Housing Benefit:


Overnight/Emergency

Shelter/Transitional Housing Beds

added:

50 Beds



End Year



Rental

Rehabilitation

Housing for Homeless added:


Housing for People with HIV/AIDS

added:


Economic

Development


Community

Development

Microenterprise

Assistance

Economic

Development -

Neighborhoods

CDBG:

$150,000

Jobs created/retained:

10 Jobs

Businesses assisted:

10 Businesses Assisted

Commercial

Rehabilitation


Community

Development

Commercial Rehab -

Facade

Improvement

Economic

Development -

Neighborhoods

CDBG:

$75,000

Facade treatment/business

building rehabilitation:

5 Business

Table 51 – Goals Summary

Estimate the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income families to whom the jurisdiction will provide

affordable housing as defined by HOME 91.315(b)(2)

The City's outlined goals are estimated to serve the following through affordable housing activities:

Extremely Low-Income households - 172

10 Homeowner Rehabilitation activities


2 potential Rental Rehabilitation activities

100 households that could benefit from Public Facility activities geared toward housing

60 homeless or special needs households that could benefit from targeted activities

Low-Income households - 14


4 Down Payment Assistance Awards

Moderate-Income households - 20


6 Down Payment Assistance Awards

4 Newly Constructed Affordable Houses (homebuyer)


SP-50 Public Housing Accessibility and Involvement

Need to Increase the Number of Accessible Units (if Required by a Section 504 Voluntary Compliance Agreement)

The Hattiesburg Housing Authority complies with Section 504; there is no requirement to increase accessible units.

Activities to Increase Resident Involvements

The Hattiesburg Housing Authority conducts monthly resident meetings at each site. Monthly meetings follow different themes with guest

speakers from varying organizations such as the city, the school district, the Red Cross, Emergency Management, etc. The Housing Authority

also invites community civic organizations to attend monthly resident meetings, and encourages their interaction with residents. Annually, each

site also participates in the National Night Out Against Crime.

Is the public housing agency designated as troubled under 24 CFR part 902?

No

Plan to remove the ‘troubled’ designation

n/a


SP-55 Barriers to affordable housing

Barriers to Affordable Housing

The City's zoning ordinance and related regulations are conducive to affordable housing development. As public policies are concerned, the only

notable barrier to affordable housing has to do with development in flood zones where FEMA regulations create limitations on the value/cost of

rehabilitation that can take place on existing structures. Historically, new affordable housing has not been created in flood zones when using

CDBG or HOME funds because of the challenges of meeting the development requirements. The City will make it known to partner agencies and

CHDOs that such new developments are possible given compliance with certain development and insurance requirements.

In 2012, the City completed an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. Impediments/challenges identified include 1) a lack of fair

housing education, 2) the unavailability of code standard affordable housing for homeownership, 3) the unavailability of code standard housing,

both rental and homeownership for low- to moderate-income persons, 4) the unavailability of code standard housing, both rental and

homeownership for elderly and disabled, 5) low- to moderate-income persons are un-banked or under-banked and do not understand the need

for good credit ratings, 6) the lack of credit worthy low and moderate-income families limit their opportunities to purchase affordable housing

and to participate in downpayment assistance programs, and 7) housing to accommodate the needs of persons with HIV/AIDS is virtually non-

existent; most property owners have a fear of renting to a person with AIDS. None of these impediments to fair housing choice or affordable

housing have been created by a public policy. Many of these impediments can, however, be addressed through proper planning and

implementation of the CDBG and HOME Program activities described herein.

Strategy to Remove or Ameliorate the Barriers to Affordable Housing

Hattiesburg has historically supported efforts to meet housing needs of its citizens and has been proactive in the provision of housing to its low-

and moderate-income residents. In the 1938-1939 timeframe, the City created one of the first housing authorities in the State of Mississippi. The

City supported the creation of the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority No. VIII and its efforts to bring Section 8 assistance to the City

residents.

The Official Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations make provisions for affordable housing and provide protection to citizens by ensuring

proper land use and high quality residential land development.


The City continues to implement housing rehabilitation programs to upgrade owner-occupied housing. Through its three CHDOs, the City of

Hattiesburg is supporting affordable housing initiatives providing for the construction of new affordable housing and homebuyer down-payment

assistance programs. These activities serve to reduce affordable housing barriers. The City has also partnered with service providers in areas of

adult financial literacy, jobs training, and employability skills training - all of which address barriers individuals may have in attaining affordable

housing. The City will continue to support such programs - most likely through Public Service grants.


SP-60 Homelessness Strategy

Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs

The City of Hattiesburg actively participates in meetings of the Pinebelt Coalition on Homelessness and supports the efforts of individual

organizations whose mission is to serve homeless populations. The City intends to continue this collaboration in the planning period, and

intends to increase efforts in serving the homeless community by way of funding supportive services offered by appropriate agencies. Direct

support will most likely come by way of Public Service grants. The City also intends to support these agencies in attaining funding for additional

emergency and transitional shelter.

Addressing the emergency and transitional housing needs of homeless persons

As previously stated, the City intends to continue its collaboration with organizations whose missions include services and housing for homeless

persons. The City will support these agencies in competing for and attaining funding for additional emergency and transitional shelter, and may,

as funding allows, consider opportunities to support new sustainable programs for emergency and/or transitional housing. More direct support

for these housing needs will likely come through Public Facility Improvement activities.

Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their

families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the

period of time that individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals and families to

affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were recently homeless from becoming homeless again.

The City of Hattiesburg’s partner agencies in the field of homelessness and special needs clients are well organized and maintain close working

relationships. The City also facilitates a Housing Roundtable – an organization focused on a variety of housing concerns in Hattiesburg. Though

the two coalitions differ somewhat in purpose, there is a great deal of overlap in both subject matter and membership. The City’s intended

(continued) support of the agencies within both groups are an opportunity to address transition to independent living, affordable housing, and

ensuring appropriate case management, as the organizations have already proven capable of doing.

Help low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families

who are likely to become homeless after being discharged from a publicly funded institution or system of care, or who are


receiving assistance from public and private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education or

youth needs

The City has recently supported financial literacy programs, utility assistance programs, and job/skills training programs with CDBG

assistance. Forrest General Hospital has a process for identifying homeless persons and persons with substance abuse problems that may

require certain case management or supportive service resources, and there is a well-organized process by which people are referred to

appropriate agencies that may be able to assist. The City intends to support activities – likely through Public Service grants – that will assist all

manners of homelessness, including the prevention thereof.


SP-65 Lead based paint Hazards

Actions to address LBP hazards and increase access to housing without LBP hazards

All activities undertaken by the City of Hattiesburg with CDBG or HOME funds are done in accordance with 24 CFR Part 35, which dictates the

assessment and abatement requirements that accompany certain activities. Rehabilitation projects to exceed $25,000 in cost that contain LBP

hazards are abated. Subrecipients and CHDOs that perform activities with HUD funding are required to follow the same requirements, and the

City monitors such activities to ensure compliance. In addition to the abatement done as a part of rehabilitation activities, the City participates

in housing fairs (as/when invited) sponsored by other housing agencies such as the USM Institute for Disability Studies and make presentations

related to LBP hazards. The City has included as a potential activity, the identification of LBP hazards as a stand-alone housing activity. The City

may also undertake the screening for lead poisoning as a Public Service should the Mississippi Department of Health dictate such a need.

How are the actions listed above related to the extent of lead poisoning and hazards?

The City of Hattiesburg has a significantly aging housing stock, with the oldest of the homes in the City distributed in concentration similar to the

concentration of low-income households. The City has placed an emphasis on housing rehabilitation to improve the housing stock, save

deteriorating homes, improve the lives of the homeowners, and improve the community around low-income households; in accomplishing goals

in this priority area, the City is also addressing lead based paint hazards. The extent of the LBP hazards are likely higher than the extent (in sheer

numbers) of homes needing rehabilitation, but the overall impact on quality of life – both immediate and lasting – of rehabilitating homes is

higher than the impact that simply identifying and/or abating LBP hazards would have.

How are the actions listed above integrated into housing policies and procedures?

The environmental review process for any CDBG or HOME funded activity will dictate – according to 24 CF R Part 35 – the procedure that must

be followed prior to officially committing to a project.


SP-70 Anti-Poverty Strategy

Jurisdiction Goals, Programs and Policies for reducing the number of Poverty-Level Families

Through CDBG Public Service grants, the City has partnered with subrecipients for purposes and programs such as adult financial literacy, utility

assistance, jobs training, and employability skills training; through Microenterprise Assistance Awards, the City has supported job

creation. Additionally, the Community Development Division has participated in the creation of a Bank On Hattiesburg Program to educate the

un-banked and under-banked population in hopes that they may better understand how banking works and steer clear of predatory lending

institutions. Public Service activities, Microenterprise activities, and the Bank On program are all activities that the City intends to carry out in

the coming period.

How are the Jurisdiction poverty reducing goals, programs, and policies coordinated with this affordable housing plan

The City recognizes the value of homeownership, but also recognizes the challenges that face lower-income households in achieving

homeownership. As such, the City intends to continue to support efforts such as financial literacy, utility assistance, jobs training, employability

skills training, Bank On, Microenterprise development, and other economic development activities, because through efforts like these, lower-

income individuals and families can be afforded a hand-up and potential catalyst to help them out of poverty, toward financial independence,

and possibly toward homeownership. The City also intends to continue partnerships with affordable housing agencies such as Hattiesburg Area

habitat for Humanity that offers more than a home for sale, but also individualized case management and support that is something typical

mortgage lending institutions may not be capable of offering.


SP-80 Monitoring

Describe the standards and procedures that the jurisdiction will use to monitor activities carried out in furtherance of the plan

and will use to ensure long-term compliance with requirements of the programs involved, including minority business outreach

and the comprehensive planning requirements

It is the City’s policy to monitor all subrecipients – Public Service providers, Microenterprise award recipients, Emergency Repair agencies,

Rehabilitation agencies, and CHDOs on an annual basis. On a case-by-case basis, the simplicity of an agreement and the scope of services may

only justify a desk monitoring of documents, but most agreements/agencies will be monitored on site annually. Monitoring will ensure

compliance with federal, state, and local law as well as adherence to the performance expectations contracted in the agreement. The City’s

Community Development Division staff will monitor its own performance in the course of creating the annual Consolidated Annual Performance

& Evaluation Report, and will reflect on the outcomes, achievements, and shortcomings in the creation of each year’s Annual Action Plan.

Minority Business Outreach

The City of Hattiesburg engages in outreach to minority and women-owned businesses through strategic partnerships with other organizations

at the state and local levels. Beginning in 2009, and most recently in 2011, the City partnered with the Mississippi Development Authority to

host a Model Contractor Development Workshop. This workshop targeted disadvantaged businesses and covered a range of topics including but

not limited to business structure, business accounting, business finance, bonding and developing proposal/bids. In 2012, the City partnered with

MDOT to sponsor a “Meet-the-Prime” event for DBE contractors to network with larger contractors in the state and find out about

subcontracting opportunities. The city continues to partner with the Area Development Partnership (a regional economic development

organization) in an effort to identify disadvantaged businesses and develop services and programs to increase capacity. The ADP maintains a

Minority Business Directory and targets these businesses with its loan programs and other support services.

Also, during the 2011 program the City sponsored a Section 3 meeting with Kansas City Southern Railroad and various minority contractors

aimed at identifying potential contractors for its rail improvement project. It should be noted that this project is funded by a HUD TIGER

grant. The City’s Community Development Division also maintains a Section 3 registry as a part of its Section 3 Plan.

For the purposes of both CDBG and HOME rehabilitation and reconstruction, the City develops a list of Qualified Eligible Contractors (QEC). Of

the six contractors on the 2011 QEC, five were minority-owned business. All of the City’s solicitations are placed on the Small Business

Development Center’s website which provides an additional mechanism through which DBEs can be reached.


The City will continue these strategic partnerships aimed ensuring the participation of DBEs and benefiting Section 3 businesses and individuals

through the 2013-2017-plan period.

Annual Action Plan 2013

97

Expected Resources

AP-15 Expected Resources

Anticipated Resources

Program Source of

Funds


$


Allocation: $

Program Income:

$


$

Total: $

CDBG public -

federal

Acquisition

Admin and

Planning

Economic

Development

Housing

Public

Improvements

Public Services

577,023 0 572,000 1,149,023 2,308,092


amount. The expected amount for the

remainder of the Con Plan is simply the

Year 1 amount multiplied by 4. Also, the

Program Income figure is zero, but changes

in programming could potentially create

Program Income. Prior Year resources

listed are an estimate only based on

existing resources and an approximation of

expenditures to be made between the

writing of the Con Plan and the end of the

2012 Program Year.

HOME public -

federal

Acquisition

Homebuyer

assistance

Homeowner

rehab

Multifamily 275,957 0 352,000 627,957 1,103,828


amount, which was significantly lower than

the 2011 amount. Hopefully actual funding

will be similar to pre-2011 funding. The

expected amount for the remainder of the

Con Plan is simply the Year 1 amount


98

Program Source of

Funds


$


Allocation: $

Program Income:

$


$

Total: $

rental new

construction

Multifamily

rental rehab

New

construction for

ownership

TBRA

multiplied by 4. Also, the Program Income

figure is zero, but changes in programming

could potentially create Program Income.

Prior Year resources listed are an estimate

only based on existing resources and an

approximation of expenditures to be made

between the writing of the Con Plan and

the end of the 2012 Program Year.

Table 52 - Expected Resources – Priority Table

Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how

matching requirements will be satisfied

The City hopes to continue its partnerships through groups such as the Housing Roundtable and the Pinebelt Coalition on Homelessness in a

concerted effort to strategically address problems and mutual concerns. As in the past, the City values these and other such partnerships as

community partners bring differing resources to the table - funding, volunteers, services, etc. - for mutual benefit. The City will also continue to

seek out funding opportunities such as those available for housing activities through the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Mississippi Development

Authority, and funding opportunities such as those generously provided in recent years by the Salvation Army. Regarding matching

requirements, the City of Hattiesburg does not have a local HOME matching requirement.

If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs

identified in the plan

The City has recently utilized its mapping capabilities to identify City and State owned property throughout the City of Hattiesburg. These


99

properties are reviewed periodically when need arises for particular projects, and the City intends to continue this approach of utilizing property

already in its inventory (when appropriate) before seeking property to purchase.


100

Annual Goals and Objectives

AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives

Goals Summary Information


End Year



Housing Programs

(including

Affordable

Housing)


Housing

Housing

Rehabilitation

Emergency Repair

Acquisition

CDBG:

$121,619

HOME:

$208,362

Homeowner Housing Added: 1

Household Housing Unit

Homeowner Housing Rehabilitated:


Demolition 2013 2017 Demolition Demolition CDBG:

$50,000

Buildings Demolished: 10 Buildings

Down Payment

Assistance


Housing

Down Payment

Assistance

Acquisition

HOME:

$40,000

Direct Financial Assistance to

Homebuyers: 4 Households Assisted

Public Services 2013 2017 Homeless

Non-Homeless

Special Needs

Non-Housing

Community

Development

Public Services CDBG:

$60,000

Public service activities other than


Benefit: 200 Persons Assisted

Homeless Person Overnight Shelter:

20 Persons Assisted

Homelessness Prevention: 20

Persons Assisted

HIV/AIDS Housing Operations: 20


Homeless and

Special Needs

Housing Units


Housing

Homeless

Housing

Rehabilitation

Acquisition

CDBG:

$200,000


Activities for Low/Moderate Income

Housing Benefit: 15 Households


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End Year



Non-Homeless

Special Needs

Public Facility

Improvement

Housing - Special

Needs and/or

Homeless

Rental

Rehabilitation

Assisted

Overnight/Emergency

Shelter/Transitional Housing Beds

added: 33 Beds

Housing for Homeless added: 15


Housing for People with HIV/AIDS

added: 15 Household Housing Unit

Economic

Development


Community

Development

Microenterprise

Assistance

CDBG:

$30,000

Jobs created/retained: 2 Jobs

Businesses assisted: 2 Businesses

Assisted

Table 53 – Goals Summary


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Projects

AP-38 Project Summary

Project Summary Information

Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Funding

CDBG Administration Housing Programs (including

Affordable Housing)

Demolition


Public Services


Housing Rehabilitation

Emergency Repair

Demolition


Acquisition


Infrastructure

Public Services


and/or Homeless

Microenterprise Assistance

Commercial Rehab - Facade

Improvement

Rental Rehabilitation

Economic Development -

Neighborhoods

TBRA

Urgent Needs

CDBG: $115,404

CDBG Housing Programs Housing Programs (including

Affordable Housing)

Demolition



Emergency Repair

Demolition


CDBG: $121,619


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Acquisition


and/or Homeless


CDBG Demolition Demolition Demolition CDBG: $50,000

CDBG Public Services Public Services Public Services CDBG: $60,000

CDBG Microenterprise

Assistance

Economic Development Microenterprise Assistance CDBG: $30,000

HOME Administration Housing Programs (including

Affordable Housing)





TBRA

HOME: $27,596

HOME Housing Programs Housing Programs (including

Affordable Housing)


Acquisition

HOME: $208,362

HOME Down Payment

Assistance

Down Payment Assistance Down Payment Assistance HOME: $40,000

CDBG Homeless and Special

Needs Housing Units


Affordable Housing)


Housing Units


Acquisition



and/or Homeless


CDBG: $200,000

Table 54 – Project Summary


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AP-35 Projects

Introduction

The following is a listing of projects that the City of Hattiesburg proposes to undertake using CDBG and HOME funds anticipated for 2013.

# Project Name

1 CDBG Administration

2 CDBG Housing Programs

3 CDBG Demolition

4 CDBG Public Services

5 CDBG Microenterprise Assistance

6 HOME Administration

7 HOME Housing Programs

8 HOME Down Payment Assistance

9 CDBG Homeless and Special Needs Housing Units

Table 55 – Project Information

Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs

The allocation of funding is in keeping with the priority needs identified in the Consolidated Plan. Housing issues - rehabilitation, code

compliance, demolition, affordability - being the greatest priority identified, it is allocated the greatest amount of funding. The second greatest

need identified being related to homelessness and special needs populations, the City intends to address those needs through its Public Service

grants and internal activities.


105

AP-50 Geographic Distribution

Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and

minority concentration) where assistance will be directed

With the exception of the Facade Improvement Program, none of the activities proposed for the 2013

Action Plan are directed geographically, meaning that there is not a prescribed area in which these

activities are required to take place. Microenterprise Assistance, Housing Rehabilitation, Emergency

Repair, Demolition, Down Payment Assistance, and other Affordable Housing activities are allowable

Citywide. However, these activities have historically taken place in areas of low-income and minority

concentration. Such areas include the greater portion of Wards 2, 4, and 5, which are better identified

by U.S. Census tracts 001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 011, and 105. Public Service grants are likewise, not

directed geographically, but tend to be centered in low-income areas by virtue of the clients that the

agencies serve. The Facade Improvement Program is directed to the downtown area as a program

policy in an effort to continue the revitalization of the historic downtown.

Geographic Distribution

Target Area Percentage of Funds

Table 56 - Geographic Distribution

Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically

The only activity/priority that is geographically driven in the 2013 Action Plan is the Facade

Improvement Program, which is focused by program policy on the downtown area in an effort to

continue the revitalization of the historic downtown. It is possible that procedures may change in the

future regarding the approach taken to address housing rehabilitation, which could allow for a

geographic focus. Such a focus would be based on findings of concentrations of need in low-income

areas and/or based on a concerted effort by the City and/or partner agencies to create an impact on a

particular neighborhood or area.


106

Affordable Housing

AP-55 Affordable Housing

One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be Supported

Homeless 68

Non-Homeless 239

Special-Needs 35

Total 342

Table 57 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Requirement

One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported Through

Rental Assistance 0

The Production of New Units 1

Rehab of Existing Units 4

Acquisition of Existing Units 82

Total 87

Table 58 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Type

Discussion

The figures provided above are taken from the total goals from all activities/projects anticipated within

the 2013 Action Plan with the exception of Administrative activities, Demolition activities, and Economic

Development Activities. To a large degree, the goals for each category of household or housing project

type are unknown because they will vary depending on the type of Public Service projects undertaken

and the number and type of projects undertaken to address Homeless & Special Needs Housing. The

numbers above are a tabulation of each type as listed in the goals outlined earlier in the Action Plan.

As an example, "Acquisition of Existing Units" has a goal of 82, which is a tabulation of (4) proposed

Down Payment Assistance acquisitions and the goals outlined for Homeless & Special Needs Housing (15

Households Assisted through low/mod housing, 33 transitional/emergency shelter beds created, 15

Housing Units for Homeless persons, and 15 Housing Units for people living with HIV/AIDS). These are

all listed under "Acquisition of Existing Units," but may just as likely occur under "Rehab of Existing

Units" or "Production of New Units," depending upon projects proposed. Additionally, the proportion of

Homeless, HIV, Transitional, Emergency Shelter, etc. that make up a proposed project will dictate

how/where accomplishments are reported. Different facility types having different services, policies,

and turnover percentages, will additionally alter the outcome.


107

AP-60 Public Housing

Introduction

The Hattiesburg Housing Authority manages 296 Public Housing units in the City of Hattiesburg.

Actions planned during the next year to address the needs to public housing

The City of Hattiesburg stands ready to support the Hattiesburg Housing Authority in any way possible,

particularly as the HHA seeks to replace many of its older units in the coming years.

Actions to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and

participate in homeownership

The Housing Authority will continue to host monthly resident meetings at each of its developments to

engage its residents. Guest speakers will be scheduled as appropriate to bring residents valuable

information related to the City, the schools, civic service agencies, or others as may be pertinent. The

HHA will also continue to host National Night Out Against Crime events as an opportunity to engage

residents.

If the PHA is designated as troubled, describe the manner in which financial assistance will be

provided or other assistance

n/a


108

AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities

Describe the jurisdictions one-year goals and actions for reducing and ending homelessness

including:

Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their

individual needs

The City of Hattiesburg actively participates in meetings of the Pinebelt Coalition on Homelessness and

supports the efforts of individual organizations whose mission is to serve homeless populations. The

City intends to continue this collaboration in 2013, and intends to increase efforts in serving the

homeless community by way of funding supportive services offered by appropriate agencies. Direct

support will most likely come by way of Public Service grants. The City also intends to support these

agencies in attaining funding for additional emergency and transitional shelter.

Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons

As previously stated, the City intends to continue its collaboration with organizations whose missions

include services and housing for homeless persons. The City will support these agencies in competing

for and attaining funding for additional emergency and transitional shelter, and may, as funding allows,

consider opportunities to support new sustainable programs for emergency and/or transitional

housing. More direct support for these housing needs will likely come through Public Facility

Improvement activities, which may be more feasible in future years.

Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families

with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to

permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that

individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals

and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were

recently homeless from becoming homeless again

The City of Hattiesburg’s partner agencies in the field of homelessness and special needs clients are well

organized and maintain close working relationships. The City also facilitates a Housing Roundtable – an

organization focused on a variety of housing concerns in Hattiesburg. Though the two coalitions differ

somewhat in purpose, there is a great deal of overlap in both subject matter and membership. The

City’s intended (continued) support of the agencies within both groups are an opportunity to address

transition to independent living, affordable housing, and ensuring appropriate case management, as the

organizations have already proven capable of doing.

Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely

low-income individuals and families and those who are: being discharged from publicly


109

funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities,

foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving

assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services,

employment, education, or youth needs

The City has recently supported financial literacy programs, utility assistance programs, and job/skills

training programs with CDBG assistance. Forrest General Hospital has a process for identifying homeless

persons and persons with substance abuse problems that may require certain case management or

supportive service resources, and there is a well-organized process by which people are referred to

appropriate agencies that may be able to assist. The City intends to support activities – likely through

Public Service grants – that will assist all manners of homelessness, including the prevention thereof.


110

AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing

Introduction

Hattiesburg has historically supported efforts to meet housing needs of its citizens and has been

proactive in the provision of housing to its low- and moderate-income residents. In the 1938-1939

timeframe, the City created one of the first housing authorities in the State of Mississippi. The City

supported the creation of the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority No. VIII and its efforts to bring

Section 8 assistance to City residents.

The Official Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations make provisions for affordable housing and

provide protection to citizens by ensuring proper land use and high quality residential land

development.

Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve

as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning

ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the

return on residential investment

The City's zoning ordinance and related regulations are conducive to affordable housing

development. As public policies are concerned, the only notable barrier to affordable housing has to do

with development in flood zones where FEMA regulations create limitations on the value/cost of

rehabilitation that can take place on existing structures. Historically, new affordable housing has not

been created in flood zones when using CDBG or HOME funds because of the challenges of meeting the

development requirements. The City will make it known to partner agencies and CHDOs that such new

developments are possible given compliance with certain development and insurance requirements.

Discussion

The City continues to implement housing rehabilitation programs to upgrade owner-occupied housing.

Through its three CHDOs, the City of Hattiesburg is supporting affordable housing initiatives providing

for the construction of new affordable housing and homebuyer down-payment assistance programs.

These activities serve to reduce affordable housing barriers. The City has also partnered with service

providers in areas of adult financial literacy, jobs training, and employability skills training - all of which

address barriers individuals may have in attaining affordable housing. The City will continue to support

such programs - most likely through Public Service grants.


111

AP-85 Other Actions

Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs

Several of the City of Hattiesburg’s CDBG and HOME funded activities seek to address underserved

needs by way of affordable housing, housing rehabilitation, and assistance to non-profit organizations

with such missions, among others. The City will continue these efforts in the coming years, and will also

continue work in areas of obstacles pertaining to affordable housing.

Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing

The City, having updated its Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice in 2012, has identified

particular challenging areas related to affordable housing and housing choice. In this planning period,

the City will continue to make its Down Payment Assistance Program available, will continue to promote

the Bank On Hattiesburg Program, and will continue to address code compliance in an effort to continue

improving housing stock.

Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards

Through the City’s ongoing Housing Rehabilitation, Emergency Repair, and other housing activities, the

City and its partners comply with 24 CFR Part 35, which often requires lead-based paint

abatement. These activities will be continued in 2013 along with the potential for addressing LBP

hazards in housing as a stand-alone activity.

Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families

The City will continue to support non-profits and public efforts to improve adult financial literacy, and

will continue to promote Bank On Hattiesburg in an effort to address the high number of households in

the area that are either un-banked or under-banked and may rely on predatory lenders and other non-

traditional financial institutions.

Actions planned to develop institutional structure

The City plans to continue facilitating the Housing Roundtable, participating in the Pinebelt Coalition on

Homelessness, and participating with other similar organizations as the opportunity arises. The City will

also continue to support agencies in the area as they may have opportunities to compete for grants that

serve the needs identified in the City’s Consolidated Plan or other opportunities that are of a community

benefit.

Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social

service agencies


112

As stated previously, the City will continue to participate with the Housing Roundtable and the Pinebelt

Coalition on Homelessness, and will continue to encourage agencies that have a mutual interest to

participate as well.


113

Program Specific Requirements

AP-90 Program Specific Requirements

Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

Reference 24 CFR 91.220.(I)(1) Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out.

1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the next

program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed 0

2. The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the year to

address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic plan. 0

3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements 0

4. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use has not

been included in a prior statement or plan 0

5. The amount of income from float-funded activities 0

Total Program Income: 0

Other CDBG Requirements 1. The amount of urgent need activities 0

2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that benefit

persons of low and moderate income.Overall Benefit - A consecutive period of one,

two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum overall benefit of 70%

of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and moderate income. Specify the

years covered that include this Annual Action Plan. 70.00%

HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME)

Reference 24 CFR 91.220.(I)(2) 1. A description of other forms of investment being used beyond those identified in Section 92.205 is

as follows: The City of Hattiesburg is not required to provide a local match to the HOME funding allocated to eligible activities. However, the City does seek out other public and private grants from time-to-time to complement its Community Development efforts. All activities/investments undertaken in whole or in part with HOME funding will comply with 24 CFR Part 92.

2. A description of the guidelines that will be used for resale or recapture of HOME funds when used

for homebuyer activities as required in 92.254, is as follows:


114

Section A. Principal Residence/Period of Affordability - The HOME program requires that a

property assisted under a homeownership program be used as the owner’s principal residence

for a designated time period known as the period of affordability. The “period of affordability” is

based on the amount of HOME assistance provided for the property, regardless of source (i.e. City,

MDA). Because the City administers homeowner-occupied rehabilitation and repair programs with

CDBG funds in the same manner as it does with HOME funds, it applies periods of affordability in a

like manner regardless of program. The applicable periods of affordability are as follows:

PERIOD OF AFFORDABILITY TABLE

Amount of HOME Assistance Minimum Period of Affordability

<$15,000 5 Years

$15,000 ‐ $40,000 10 Years

>$40,000 15 Years

New Construction (rental) 20 years

The HOME program requires that the assisted property be subject to resale restrictions or recapture

provisions, as cited in CFR 92.254(a)(5), for the period of affordability. The option that applies to a

particular property will be identified prior to the assistance being provided to the homebuyer.

Section B. Recapture Provisions - The City of Hattiesburg will primarily use the recapture option,

which would secure the amount of HOME funds that remain in the project (i.e. homebuyer

assistance) by a silent second mortgage and promissory note. Therefore, if the assisted homebuyer

sells the home during the applicable period of affordability, the City shall recover HOME

homebuyer assistance funds from the net proceeds of sale, as specified in CFR 92.254(a)(5)(ii).

Recapture of HOME funds will be handled as follows: First, the amount of HOME assistance covered

under the mortgage and promissory note will be reduced pro‐rata each complete month the

homebuyer has owned and occupied the house, based on the following schedule:

Housing Rehabilitation and New Construction Affordability Period Program Guidelines

The AFFORDABILITY period begins for CDBG and HOME on the day of the home repair or

rehabilitation has been completed and closed out or the new home has closed. Homebuyers or

Homeowners that transfer ownership through sales, disposal, or abandonment prior to expiration of

the affordability period will be required to repay a percentage of the CDBG or HOME direct subsidy

based on a pro-rata basis. This percentage of the subsidy to be repaid is determined by the length of

time the Homeowner has occupied the home in relation to the period of affordability (i.e., the City

would forgive 50 percent of the subsidy amount for an owner who sold the home half-way through

the ten year period of affordability and the City would recapture the remaining 50 percent).

Exceptions - The affordability restriction may terminate upon the occurrence of any of the following

events: foreclosure, death of a grant recipient, transfer in lieu of foreclosure or an FHA insured


115

mortgage to HUD. The affordability restriction shall be revived according to the original terms if,

during the original affordability period, the owner of record before the termination event, obtains

an ownership interest in the housing.

The affordability restriction can be transferred to a new owner-occupant if the property is sold to a

new purchaser that meets the City of Hattiesburg’s eligibility criteria stated within these guidelines,

and the proposed new owner-occupant is eligible and agreeable to the terms of the affordability

restriction. Such an arrangement must follow the process and regulations of a “Resale Provision,”

which carries with it certain unique requirements. Eligibility must be determined and documents

submitted to the Department of Federal and State Programs prior to closing on the home. New

purchasers must be low- or moderate-income as defined by HUD and occupy the property as the

family’s principal residence.

Affordability Enforcement - A lien will be placed on the property in the form of a recorded deed of

trust with the City of Hattiesburg. The deed of trust will take a second to the original instrument of

the lender financing the property. The lien will be canceled after the period of affordability expires.

In those cases where a homebuyer engages in a voluntary sale without substantiation of compelling

economic circumstances, the City will require a full repayment of the pro-rated amount of HOME

assistance.

In those cases where the City is made aware the sale of the property is involuntary (a sale due to

foreclosure, loss of income, job transfer or similar circumstances), the downpayment, principal

payments, and cost of capital improvements made by the homebuyer since purchase would be

calculated. If the sum of these investments, plus the prorated amount due the City, exceeds the

net proceeds of sale, the homebuyer would be allowed to recover his or her investment in the

property first, with the remainder being paid back to the City. Such an amount would be considered

payment in full. The homebuyer would be allowed to keep any net proceeds left after recovery of

their investment and repayment of HOME assistance to the City.

In cases where a homebuyer violates the terms and conditions of the second mortgage and/or

promissory note, (e.g., sells the property on a Land Contract without the approval of the City or uses

the property for rental purposes), the City reserves the right to require the full repayment of the

pro-rated amount of HOME assistance.

Section C. Resale Provisions - Where appropriate, the City may utilize resale requirements on a

project-by-project basis in accordance with 24 CFR 92.254 (a.)(5.)(i.) These requirements would

ensure a HOME assisted property that does not continue to be the principal residence of the

assisted homebuyer for the required period of affordability will be made available for subsequent

purchase only to a low-income household that will occupy the property as their principal

residence. The requirements would also allow the original HOME-assisted owner a fair return

on investment (including the homeowner’s investment and any capital improvement) and

require that the housing remain affordable to a reasonable range of low-income homebuyers.


116

Section D. CHDOs – The City may enter agreements with CHDOs acting in the role of developer,

sponsor, or owner as is appropriate for a given project. CHDOs undertaking acquisition and/or

rehabilitation/reconstruction activities under a homebuyer program may be assisted with HOME

funds for both a development subsidy and for homebuyer assistance. The total HOME assistance

would be secured by a mortgage and promissory note prior to the housing developer's use of HOME

funds for acquisition and/or rehabilitation/construction. Upon sale to a homebuyer, this mortgage

and promissory note would be discharged, with the HOME funds distributed as follows:

Development subsidy (forgiven by City).

The homebuyer assistance may be in the form of a reduced sale price, downpayment/closing cost

assistance, or another eligible form of assistance, and would be described in the Agreement

between the City and the housing developer. The homebuyer assistance would be secured by a

silent second mortgage and promissory note from the homebuyer to the City or where applicable, a

covenant running with the land, deed restriction or other similar mechanism for the applicable

period of affordability. The recapture provisions in Section B would apply if the assisted

homebuyer sells the home or otherwise does not continue to occupy the home as their principal

place of residence during the applicable period of affordability.

Section E. City Programs and Other Projects - The City of Hattiesburg may use HOME funds for the acquisition and/or rehabilitation/construction of properties for resale to homebuyers. Additionally, the City, its subrecipients, or CHDOs may engage in Rental activities if/when allowed by the Action Plan. The recapture provisions in Section B would apply to all such programs with the understanding that reference to “Homebuyer” may imply “Property Owner” in activities such as Rental where the owner is not the occupant (or is not the only occupant).

3. A description of the guidelines for resale or recapture that ensures the affordability of units acquired

with HOME funds? See 24 CFR 92.254(a)(4) are as follows: See answers to question #2 above.

4. Plans for using HOME funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing that is

rehabilitated with HOME funds along with a description of the refinancing guidelines required that will be used under 24 CFR 92.206(b), are as follows: The City of Hattiesburg has no such plans to refinance the existing debt of any such property. Should plans arise for such an activity, plans and guidelines will be established, and the Consolidated/Action Plan would be amended accordingly following the existing Citizen Participation Plan.

Discussion

The aggregate use of CDBG funds in 2013 will be used to determine that a minimum overall benefit of

70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and moderate income.

Consolidated Plan HATTIESBURG 1 · Overview . The primary objectives of the Plan for 2013-2017 are consistent with the primary objectives in the prior ... Over the Plan period, the

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